The suspect in custody in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk is a 22-year-old from Utah, authorities said Friday.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox identified the man as Tyler Robinson. Mr. Cox was joined by FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials at a news conference announcing the arrest, and authorities later released Mr. Robinson’s mugshot.
President Donald Trump announced earlier Friday “with a high degree of certainty” that the suspect in Kirk’s killing had been caught.
Mr. Kirk was shot as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem. More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in as authorities responded to the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.
The first FBI agents arrived on the scene at Utah Valley University some 16 minutes after Mr. Kirk was shot on Wednesday, Mr. Patel said at the news conference.
The bureau released the first photos of the suspect on Thursday morning, followed by the announcement of a cash reward and then the release of video of the suspect climbing down from the roof of a campus building and running away.
Vice President JD Vance credited Utah officials and the FBI for their efforts in capturing the suspected shooter.
“We took a big step this morning in getting justice for Charlie, and for his family. Thanks be to God for that,” Mr. Vance wrote.
A Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle was found in a towel in the woods. A spent cartridge was recovered from the chamber, and three other rounds were loaded in the magazine, according to information circulated among law enforcement and described to The Associated Press.
The assassination offers the latest example of how ordinary security measures can be defeated in an era of escalating political violence, when anyone associated with the political process is a potential target.
Security experts interviewed by AP questioned whether the event was sufficiently staffed but also acknowledged the limitations of both campus police forces and outdoor venues.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
