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.
Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September after a family member recognized him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt.
That family member was apparently 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 contacted a family friend who informed the sheriff's office.
At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss 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 a family member interviewed by investigators conveyed that Robinson had become more political in recent years.
The relative also noted that during a dinner conversation before the attack, Robinson expressed that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate and mentioned Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Public records suggest Robinson had registered as a nonpartisan voter in Utah, while his parents are registered Republicans. He was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting, having attended Dixie Technical College.
Investigators highlighted that Robinson was immersed in online culture, discovering inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case. Some referred to trolling humor and potential affiliations with the anti-fascist movement.
Robinson remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate the implications of his actions, labeling it one of the most significant political killings in recent US history.
