OREM, Utah. (PulseWire) — Authorities announced on Friday the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson on suspicion of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a Wednesday event at Utah Valley University. Investigators believe Robinson acted alone in this shocking act of violence.
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was known for his close ties to President Donald Trump and efforts to revamp the Republican Party's voter mobilization strategies for the upcoming 2024 elections.
In the days leading up to the event, significant controversy surrounded Kirk's appearance, prompting a change.org petition titled Prevent Charlie Kirk from speaking at Utah Valley University.
Here's a timeline of the tragic events surrounding Kirk's shooting and Robinson's arrest:
- **Friday, Aug. 29:** A petition against Kirk's speaking engagement emerges.
- **Wednesday, Sept. 3:** Utah Valley University reaffirms its commitment to free speech in response to the petition.
- **Sept. 10:** Details surface revealing that on this day, Kirk was present on campus for his scheduled event when the tragedy occurred. Around 12:20 p.m., a gunshot rang out during the debate portion, occurring from 200 yards away.
Kirk was immediately reported as being down, and he was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
- **2:40 p.m.**: President Trump announced Kirk's death on social media.
- **Sept. 11, 10 p.m.:** Following investigative leads, including a family member's tip, Robinson was arrested.
- **Sept. 12, 8:05 a.m.:** Authorities officially announced Robinson's custody and outlined serious charges against him.
With a probable cause statement indicating aggravated murder charges among others, Robinson faces a potential death penalty. Formal charges are anticipated to follow in the upcoming week.
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was known for his close ties to President Donald Trump and efforts to revamp the Republican Party's voter mobilization strategies for the upcoming 2024 elections.
In the days leading up to the event, significant controversy surrounded Kirk's appearance, prompting a change.org petition titled Prevent Charlie Kirk from speaking at Utah Valley University.
Here's a timeline of the tragic events surrounding Kirk's shooting and Robinson's arrest:
- **Friday, Aug. 29:** A petition against Kirk's speaking engagement emerges.
- **Wednesday, Sept. 3:** Utah Valley University reaffirms its commitment to free speech in response to the petition.
- **Sept. 10:** Details surface revealing that on this day, Kirk was present on campus for his scheduled event when the tragedy occurred. Around 12:20 p.m., a gunshot rang out during the debate portion, occurring from 200 yards away.
Kirk was immediately reported as being down, and he was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
- **2:40 p.m.**: President Trump announced Kirk's death on social media.
- **Sept. 11, 10 p.m.:** Following investigative leads, including a family member's tip, Robinson was arrested.
- **Sept. 12, 8:05 a.m.:** Authorities officially announced Robinson's custody and outlined serious charges against him.
With a probable cause statement indicating aggravated murder charges among others, Robinson faces a potential death penalty. Formal charges are anticipated to follow in the upcoming week.
