The investigation into conservative pundit Charlie Kirk’s murder on September 10 is ongoing as the Utah Valley University community, and the entire country, continues to process the day’s tragic events.
Kirk, who was 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at the university. Video shared on social media showed a bullet appear to strike the Turning Point USA founder in the neck as he was answering a question from the crowd related to gun violence. The father-of-two was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” read a statement from Turning Point, released on the evening of his death.
President Donald Trump also shared his condolences via TruthSocial while breaking the news to his followers.
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has died at age 31 after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. “It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” […]
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump, 79, wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
As authorities continue to update the public on the investigation, keep scrolling for everything we know so far about Charlie Kirk’s death.
How Did Charlie Kirk Die?
Charlie Kirk Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune
Kirk was speaking at an event on his American Comeback Tour on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunman fired a single shot that appeared to strike him in the neck as he sat under a tent emblazoned with the words, “Prove Me Wrong.”
The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. local time on September 10 from approximately 200 yards away, and video shared on social media showed witnesses immediately rushing to his aid. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Who Did the Police Take Into Custody at the Scene?
Authorities took a man named George Zinn into custody in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Photos and video shared on social media of Zinn, 71, being restrained by police led many to believe he was the shooter.
However, police soon determined he was not involved in the shooting and he was being taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice. He was later released.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox both said later in the day that another man was in custody, but two hours later, Patel, 45, said the subject was “released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason urged the public not to harass the two individuals who have been released.
“These individuals were not suspects. They were people of interest,” he said on September 11. “They don’t deserve that harassment.”
How Has Utah Valley University Responded to the Shooting?
Within minutes of the shooting, Utah Valley cancelled classes for the rest of the day. It suspended classes and on-campus activities, both in Orem and on satellite campuses, through September 15.
University leadership also told students and faculty in an open letter posted on September 10 that information would be forthcoming about additional mental health resources for those impacted by the shooting.
Erika Kirk (née Frantzve) was thrown into the limelight after marrying conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk in 2021 — and the spotlight is shining even brighter after his sudden death. Charlie, a controversial right-wing conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University in […]
The FBI Released 2 Photos of the Suspect
The FBI released two images of the suspected shooter via social media on September 11, asking the public for help identifying him. The photos showed a man wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag on it, along with a black cap and sunglasses.
Those with information on the suspect can submit tips by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting the FBI’s online tips page.
Are Authorities Still Looking for the Shooter?
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune
Law enforcement announced on September 12 that it had apprehended 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom they suspect to be the shooter.
Robinson’s arrest came the morning after the FBI released photos and video of the suspect, asking the public to help identify him. They added in a press conference on September 11 that the alleged gunman is “male” and “appears to be of college age.”
Mason said that investigators have video of the suspect, who arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. They were able to track his movements to a roof, then recovered video of him jumping off and fleeing after the shooting. Police found and are analyzing a footwear impression, palm print and forearm print that may have been left by the shooter.
How Was Suspected Shooter Tyler Robinson Captured?
President Trump shared during a Fox News appearance on September 12 that the shooter had been taken into custody after someone “very close to him turned him in.”
Cox said in a press conference that a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend. That friend told the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that “Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
FBI director Kash Patel said Robinson was arrested around 10 p.m. local time on the night of September 11.
What Do We Know About Tyler Robinson?
Robinson is a native of Washington, Utah, who earned a scholarship to Utah State University before dropping out after one semester, according to CNN. He is registered to vote but not affiliated with any political party and is listed as an “inactive” voter.
Cox said that Robinson had brought up the Utah Valley event where Kirk was killed and “they talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.”
“The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate,” he added.
The Gun Allegedly Used in the Murder Has Been Recovered
FBI special agent Robert Bohls revealed on September 11 that police had recovered a “high-powered, bolt action rifle” from the woods where the suspect fled. They believe this was the gun used in the shooting, and Bohls said the FBI will analyze the weapon.
Charlie Kirk’s final words included a debate on the topic of gun violence just seconds before he was fatally shot. Kirk was speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, as part of his American Comeback Tour. According to a video shared via CNN, Kirk was debating a student about […]
President Trump Plans to Award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump announced on September 11 that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award has been given by presidents to American citizens since 1945, honoring those who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the nation, according to the executive order that created the medal.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
When Will Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Be Held?
Turning Point USA announced on September 13 that it will hold a memorial — which will be called “Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk” — on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The venue, which is the home of the Arizona Cardinal, can hold as many as 73,000 people for large events.
Fox News reported that President Trump is planning to attend the event. Members of the public can also register to attend the memorial on a first come, first save basis.
Doors are scheduled to open at State Farm Stadium at 8 a.m. PT and the service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m PT.
“His legacy will endure for generations,” Turning Point USA said in a statement. “And now he hears the words of Matthew 25:23 from his Lord and Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), and their two young children.
Suspect Charged on Seven Counts
On September 16, Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.
The suspect is being held at the Utah County Jail without bail and had his first court appearance on September 16.
‘No Evidence’ Found Between Shooting and Left-Wing Groups
NBC News reported on September 20 that investigators have yet to find a link between the alleged shooter and left-wing groups, despite claims made by the president and other prominent Republican politicians.
“Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive,” a source familiar with the investigation said.
Two other sources also said that they think it will be hard to charge the suspect at a federal level since he was a Utah resident, where Kirk was shot, and since Kirk was not a federal officer or elected official.
A Justice Department spokesperson said, “The investigation is ongoing and beyond that we decline to comment.”
Erika Kirk’s Thoughts on Shooter
In an interview with the New York Times published on September 21, Erika shared what she wants to happen to the 22-year-old suspected of fatally shooting her husband.
“I’m a strong believer that this was God’s plan,” she said when asked about Charlie’s death. “And it’s so clear-cut. It couldn’t be more Charlie.”
Erika added, “I’ve had so many people ask, ‘Do you feel anger toward this man? Like, do you want to seek the death penalty?’ I’ll be honest. I told our lawyer, I want the government to decide this. I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘Uh, eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?”
Tyler Robinson Appears in Court for the 1st Time
Robinson made his first in-court appearance in December 2025. He was seemingly calm and even smiled as he sat in the courtroom with his legal team. His parents and brother were present for the hearing, as well.
Media coverage of Robinson’s trial was discussed, as Kirk’s murder case has garnered national attention.
“We don’t want the chaos that is out in the media in this courtroom,” defense attorney Staci Visser said at the time. “So whatever this court can do to prevent that, that’s what we’re asking.”
Erika Kirk Accuses Charlie Kirk’s Accused Killer of Attempting to Delay Trial
An attorney for Erika filed a request for a speedy trial in the case against Robinson in January.
“Nobody believed in the importance of the United States Constitution more than Charlie Kirk,” attorney Jeffrey Neiman wrote in the filing. “And although the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants many rights, it does not guarantee them the right to cause undue delay.”
The paperwork also pointed out that Utah Code gives victims of a crime “the right to a speedy disposition of the charges free from unwarranted delay caused by or at the behest of the defendant.”
“This court is tasked with the critically important function of ensuring the Defendant has a fair trial, but this Court must also do so while balancing Mrs. Kirk’s right to a speedy trial,” Neiman continued.
Preliminary Hearing Held for Tyler Robinson
A preliminary hearing was held from July 6 to July 10, 2026, where the prosecution and defense presented evidence, including DNA testing and video footage, to a judge to determine whether Robinson’s case will proceed to trial. During the hearing, Neiman argued that video evidence should be made public.
“The Kirk family believes strongly that if the evidence is being admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see,” he said. “To not be transparent here, to not be open, to not let the world see what happened, will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system.”
Robinson’s defense lawyer has fought to prevent the publication of an interview with the accused’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, arguing that prosecutors would attempt to portray Twiggs’ statements as a confession from Robinson, which could hinder his right to a fair trial.
The judge ruled that most of the interview would be made public, while two portions would be withheld from the courtroom and broadcast audience.
Tyler Robinson Due Back in Court in September 2026
After both sides finished presenting evidence, the judge adjourned the preliminary hearing. Robinson is due back in court on September 1, 2026, at which time the prosecution and defense will present their final arguments and the judge will decide whether the case will proceed to trial. The break will allow time for attorneys to write legal briefs.
Following the hearing’s conclusion, Erika’s attorney filed a request for the court to “promptly enter its probable cause determination based on the overwhelming evidence presented during the five-day preliminary hearing,” according to court paperwork obtained by Us Weekly.
Charlie’s family also issued a public statement.
“The conclusion of the preliminary hearing marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie,” the statement read. “Our family is grateful for the prayers, support, and kindness that has been extended to us, especially through these unimaginably painful and emotionally demanding proceedings.”
The family continued, “As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day.”
The statement concluded, “Nothing will ever undo the loss of our beloved Charlie. As this case moves into its next phase, we pray that truth will continue to be heard through a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in the facts.”
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