The man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah native who had been living with his parents for a long time, authorities said.
Mr Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September after a family member recognised him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt.
That family member was apparently Mr Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, the BBC's US partner CBS News has reported, citing two law enforcement sources. The father then reportedly reached out to a family friend who contacted the sheriff's office.
At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Mr Robinson's background, political leanings, or possible motive, saying the investigation was ongoing.
We are confident we have the right individual in custody, an FBI spokesperson said, but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that a family member interviewed by investigators reported that Mr Robinson had become more political in recent years.
The relative mentioned that during a dinner conversation before the incident, Mr Robinson expressed that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate and alluded to Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Public records reviewed by the BBC suggest Mr Robinson had previously registered as an unaffiliated voter. His parents are registered Republicans.
Mr Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting. Records indicate he attended Utah State University in 2021 for a single semester, possibly studying engineering.
Investigators highlighted Mr Robinson's involvement in online culture, as evidenced by inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case.
Inscriptions included internet trolling references, and some were perceived as sympathetic toward the anti-fascist movement.
The investigation continues, focusing on Mr Robinson's background and potential affiliations, as he remains in custody awaiting formal charges in a case deemed significant in recent US political violence.
Mr Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September after a family member recognised him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt.
That family member was apparently Mr Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, the BBC's US partner CBS News has reported, citing two law enforcement sources. The father then reportedly reached out to a family friend who contacted the sheriff's office.
At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Mr Robinson's background, political leanings, or possible motive, saying the investigation was ongoing.
We are confident we have the right individual in custody, an FBI spokesperson said, but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that a family member interviewed by investigators reported that Mr Robinson had become more political in recent years.
The relative mentioned that during a dinner conversation before the incident, Mr Robinson expressed that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate and alluded to Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Public records reviewed by the BBC suggest Mr Robinson had previously registered as an unaffiliated voter. His parents are registered Republicans.
Mr Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting. Records indicate he attended Utah State University in 2021 for a single semester, possibly studying engineering.
Investigators highlighted Mr Robinson's involvement in online culture, as evidenced by inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case.
Inscriptions included internet trolling references, and some were perceived as sympathetic toward the anti-fascist movement.
The investigation continues, focusing on Mr Robinson's background and potential affiliations, as he remains in custody awaiting formal charges in a case deemed significant in recent US political violence.
