Police Encounter Suspected Assassin of Charlie Kirk

Authorities reportedly intervened with Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, to prevent the recovery of the weapon used in the shooting.

Robinson made contact with the police around six hours later, after a bullet tragically struck Kirk in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The police were stationed near the perimeter of the campus, which had been cordoned off. Reports indicate that Robinson hindered law enforcement from recovering the Moser .30-06 rifle, which was hidden away in a towel in a wooded area.

According to prosecutors, a text message exchange between Robinson and his boyfriend, Lance Toigs, displayed the shooter’s intent to locate his firearm. When officers searched the location, Robinson suggested Toigs look under his keyboard.

Robinson mentioned he remained in Orem, Utah, to find his gun, and later expressed regret for involving Toigs in the events leading up to the shooting. He explained, “I was planning to grab a rifle from the drop point right away, but most of that side of town was trapped.” 

Subsequent to their conversation, Robinson reportedly guided police to the area and spotted a squad car near where he left his rifle.

He articulated some worries too, indicating, “I hope I would have turned and grabbed it as soon as I got to the car… I’m worried about what my old man will do if I don’t get my grandpa’s rifle back.”

Following a two-day manhunt, Robinson’s parents identified him in surveillance footage shared by federal authorities. They confronted him about the shooting, as conveyed by Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox during a press conference on September 12. The alleged shooter ultimately confessed, expressing suicidal thoughts instead of surrendering and urging his father to reach out to a youth pastor who had a background in law enforcement. This pastor then contacted Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby.

During a press briefing on September 18, Brooksby revealed that law enforcement had assured a “peaceful” surrender would be possible if Robinson turned himself in. Eventually, Robinson agreed alongside his parents and the youth pastor, arriving at the sheriff’s office.

Robinson had also followed a controversial artist linked to “furry” themed adult video games and created cartoons with underage themes, adopting a “fur” symbol topically related to one of the bullet casings found by police.

The accused faces multiple charges: one count of aggravated murder, one count of using a firearm during a felony that caused serious injury, two counts related to concealing a firearm and disposing of clothes, two counts involving witnesses’ interference, and one count of committing violent acts in the presence of a minor.