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Tag: Utah

  • Tyler Robinson blocked from contacting Charlie Kirk’s widow

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    A Utah judge has issued a pretrial protective order barring Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, from contacting Kirk’s widow, Erika.

    The order was filed in Utah’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Provo on September 16, and remains in effect until further order of the court.

    Why It Matters

    The protective order against Robinson is significant not only as a safeguard for Erika Kirk but also because it highlights broader issues surrounding political violence, public safety, and the justice system’s handling of high-profile cases.

    With prosecutors pursuing the death penalty and Turning Point USA‘s future now closely tied to how Erika Kirk carries forward her late husband’s mission, the case underscores the intersection of criminal justice, politics, and the risks facing public figures in today’s polarized climate.

    Pretrial protective order barring Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, from contacting Kirk’s widow, Erika, Provo, Utah Sept. 16, 2025. (District Court Of Utah)

    District Court Of Utah

    What To Know

    Protective Order Details

    The order identifies Erika Kirk as the protected party and prohibits Tyler Robinson from engaging in harassment, threats, stalking, or “any other conduct that would place the protected person or designated family or household members in reasonable fear of bodily injury.”

    The court found that Robinson “represents a credible threat to the physical safety of the protected person,” according to the filing signed by Judge Tony F. Graf.

    The terms further bar Robinson from contacting Erika Kirk directly or indirectly, including through phone, email, text, social media, or mail.

    Although incarcerated, he is also prohibited from visiting her residence, workplace, or school, and must remain away from her in any location where they may encounter one another.

    Violation of the order could lead to further arrest and new criminal charges, the filing states.

    Case Background

    Robinson, 22, was charged earlier the same day with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors also filed two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering, according to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.

    The charges stem from the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk, 30, was speaking at a Turning Point USA rally. Prosecutors allege Robinson used a high-powered bolt-action rifle in the attack.

    The hearing on September 16 marked Robinson’s first court appearance since the incident.

    Judge Graf told the court he would issue the protective order in favor of Erika Kirk, following the prosecution’s request for her safety.

    Robinson has not yet entered a plea and does not currently have legal representation. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

    Graf said a public defender is expected to be appointed before Robinson’s next hearing on September 29.

    Responses and Public Statements

    Following her husband’s death, Erika Kirk issued a statement pledging to continue his work through Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour.

    “The evil doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said. “If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea … you have no idea what you have just unleashed. You have no idea the fire you ignited within this wife.”

    Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, had been a high-profile figure in conservative politics. His killing drew national attention, with allies and critics alike weighing in on the implications for political discourse and public safety.

    Legal Implications

    Under Utah law, violation of a protective order in a felony case can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony, while violations linked to misdemeanor charges may result in a class A misdemeanor.

    The order also carries federal implications, making it unlawful for Robinson to possess or purchase firearms or ammunition while it is in effect.

    The filing emphasizes that “the parties cannot change or dismiss this order. Only the court has the authority to change or dismiss this order.”

    What People Are Saying

    Judge Tony F. Graf in the order: “[Tyler Robinson] represents a credible threat to the physical safety of the protected person.”

    Erika Kirk said: “The evil doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done.”

    What Happens Next

    Robinson is scheduled to return to court on September 29, when a public defender is expected to be appointed, and the case will move toward an arraignment.

    The pretrial protective order barring him from contacting Erika Kirk remains in effect, and prosecutors have signaled their intent to seek the death penalty on the aggravated murder charge.

    No trial date has been set, and because capital cases often involve lengthy pretrial proceedings, the legal process could extend for months or longer, ensuring the case continues to draw national attention given its political and public safety implications.

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  • Charlie Kirk shooting suspect charged with murder as prosecutors announce they will seek death penalty

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    (CNN) — PROVO, UTAH — Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, appeared virtually for his first court hearing since he was formally charged with aggravated murder on September 16.

    Judge Tony F. Graf said Tuesday that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, will remain in custody, without bail.

    “Mr. Robinson at this time, you will remain in custody, without bail,” Graf said.

    Graf said he reviewed Robinson’s financial situation and found that he is “indigent,” meaning he cannot afford legal fees.

    Graf said he was “provisionally” appointing an attorney for Robinson, and that person need to file paperwork about their qualifications to the court before the next hearing.

    Robinson faces seven criminal counts, including aggravated murder.

    The next hearing date for the suspected shooter is set for September 29, 10 a.m. local time (noon ET).

    Earlier Tuesday, Robinson was formally charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges at a press conference Tuesday.

    Utah County Attorney General Jeff Gray speaks at a press conference regarding Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on September 16, 2025 at the Utah County Health & Justice Building in Provo, Utah. Credit: Chet Strange / Getty Images via CNN Newsource

    Gray said he intends to seek the death penalty.

    Gray noted it was the mother of the suspected shooter who identified her son through photos released by authorities.

    Court documents allege that Robinson’s mother, “explained that over the last year or so, Robinson had become more political and had started to lean more to the left – becoming more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented.”

    “She stated that Robinson began to date his roommate, a biological male who was transitioning genders,” court documents filed Tuesday say.

    “This resulted in several discussions with family members, but especially between Robinson and his father, who have very different political views.”

    After Tyler Robinson’s parents became concerned that surveillance images of a suspect that authorities released looked like their son, and that a rifle that police believed was used in Charlie Kirk’s killing “matched a rifle that was given to his son as a gift,” his father called him, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said.

    The father contacted his son and asked him to send a picture of the rifle, but Robinson didn’t respond, Gray said. The father subsequently spoke on the phone with his son, who “implied that he planned to take his own life,” Gray said.

    Robinson’s parents were then “able to convince him to meet at their home,” Gray said.

    While talking to his parents at their home, Robinson implied that he shot Kirk, “and stated that he couldn’t go to jail, and just wanted to end it,” Gray said. When Robinson was then asked why he did it, “Robinson explained there is too much evil, and the guy (referring to Charlie Kirk) spreads too much hate,” Gray said, reading from a probable cause statement filed in court.

    Booking photo of Kirk shooting suspect, Tyler Robinson has been released by the Utah Governor’s office. Credit: Utah Governor’s Office via CNN Newsource

    The day of the shooting, Robinson texted his roommate to locate a note he had left which said he had the “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk,” Gray said.

    “On September 10, 2025, the roommate received a text message from Robinson, which said, ‘Drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.’ The roommate looked under the key board and found a note that stated, ‘I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.’ Police found a photograph of this note,” Gray said.

    According to Gray, after reading the text from Robinson, the roommate had responded, “What? You’re joking, right?”

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    Chris Boyette, Michelle Watson and CNN

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  • Robert Redford | 60 Minutes Archive

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    In an excerpt from a 60 Minutes interview in 2001, actor and Sundance founder Robert Redford discussed his career and his love for America. Redford died today at age 89.

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  • Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing confessed in a text exchange with his roommate, prosecutor says

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    The man charged with murder in the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem last week admitted in a text message to his roommate on the day of the shooting that he had committed the crime, courts documents allege. 

    According to a criminal information document filed Tuesday by Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray, the roommate of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson questioned him about the incident in a text message exchange on Wednesday, Sept. 10, after the shooting had occurred earlier that day.

    Prosecutors said Robinson first texted his roommate, whose name has not been released, to “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard” at the apartment they shared in St. George, a city in southwestern Utah where Robinson is from.

    The roommate found a note under the keyboard that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” the court documents state. Police found a photo of that note, the attorney’s office said. Authorities did not say in the documents if the note itself was destroyed.

    Robinson then texted his roommate that he was “stuck in” Orem “for a little while longer,” the documents state. 

    “Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still,” Robinson wrote in the text exchange that the roommate provided to investigators. 

    The “bolt-action rifle” that is believed to have been used in the shooting was found wrapped in a towel hidden in a wooded area nearby the campus, Gray stated in the court documents.

    “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age,” Robinson allegedly wrote in a text.  

    When the roommate asked Robinson if he was Kirk’s shooter, Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry,” the court documents state.  

    “I thought they caught the person?” the roommate wrote.  

    Robinson allegedly replied that “no, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing,” seemingly in reference to two persons of interest who had been detained by law enforcement in connection with the shooting prior to Robinson’s arrest. 

    One of those people was released, and the second, identified as George Zinn, was charged with obstruction of justice because he falsely claimed to be the shooter, the Utah Department of Public Safety said Tuesday. There was no evidence, however, that Zinn colluded with Robinson, Utah DPS said.

    When his roommate asked why he had carried out the shooting, Robinson responded, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” the court documents state.

    In the text exchange, Robinson allegedly repeatedly expressed concern about whether he will be able to retrieve the hidden rifle, which he indicated originally belonged to his grandfather. 

    “I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down,” Robinson wrote, according to the court documents.

    He texts that he’s “worried what” his father “would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle.” He also says he’s unsure if the rifle has a serial number, but that he doesn’t believe it would be traced to him regardless, according to the court documents.

    “I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits,” Robinson allegedy wrote. “I didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with. … I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints.”

    When asked by his roommate how long he had planned the attack, Robinson replied, “a bit over a week I believe,” documents state. 

    He allegedly later asks his roommate to “delete this exchange” and avoid speaking to the media. He also writes that “Im gonna turn myself in willingly.”

    According to the court documents, Robinson’s parents recognized their son from the surveillance photos released of the shooting, and eventually his father was able to convince Robinson to come to their St. George home, and with the help of a family friend, surrender to authorities on Friday, Sept. 12.  

    According to the documents, Robinson’s mother told investigators that her son had started dating his roommate, whom she said was transitioning from male to female. Two law enforcement sources told CBS News over the weekend that Robinson’s roommate was cooperating with investigators and is not expected to be charged at this point. 

    Robinson, who authorities allege shot Kirk from the roof of a campus building before fleeing — sparking a two-day manhunt, appeared virtually Tuesday in his first court appearance. He is charged with one count each of aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm, and two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. He also faces one misdemeanor count of committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. 

    Following Robinson’s initial court appearance, the state of Utah filed its intent to seek the death penalty.

    A spokesperson for Discord also confirmed to CBS News on Monday that Robinson appeared to admit to committing the shooting in messages posted to the social media platform last week. 

    Faris Tanyos

    Faris Tanyos is a news editor for CBSNews.com, where he writes and edits stories and tracks breaking news. He previously worked as a digital news producer at several local news stations up and down the West Coast.

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  • Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing makes first court appearance

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    Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing makes first court appearance – CBS News










































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    The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination appeared virtually for his first court appearance in Utah on Tuesday. CBS News justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane and former federal prosecutor Scott Fredericksen join with analysis.

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  • Suspect In Kirk Killing Charged With Aggravated Murder As Prosecutor Says DNA Found On Gun Trigger – KXL

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    PROVO, Utah (AP) — Prosecutors brought a murder charge Tuesday against the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk and outlined evidence, including a text message confession to his partner and a note left beforehand saying he had the opportunity to kill one of the nation’s leading conservative voices “and I’m going to take it.”

    DNA on the trigger of the rifle that killed Kirk also matched that of Tyler Robinson, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said while outlining the evidence and announcing charges that could result in the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

    The prosecutor said Robinson, 22, wrote in one text that he spent more than a week planning the attack on Kirk, a prominent force in politics credited with energizing the Republican youth movement and helping Donald Trump win back the White House in 2024.

    “The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Gray said.

    Kirk was gunned down Sept. 10 while speaking with students at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby building on the campus in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

    Robinson was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon. There was no attorney listed in the Utah online court docket for Robinson, even after charges were filed, and his family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

    Was Charlie Kirk targeted over anti-transgender views?
    Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but Gray said that Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

    Robinson also left a note for his partner hidden under a keyboard that said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” according to Gray.

    The prosecutor declined to answer whether Robinson targeted Kirk for his anti-transgender views. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

    “That is for a jury to decide,” Gray said.

    Robinson was involved in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who investigators say was transgender, which hasn’t been confirmed. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.

    Robinson’s partner appeared shocked in the text exchange after the shooting, according to court documents, asking Robinson “why he did it and how long he’d been planning it.”

    Parents said their son became more political
    While authorities say Robinson hasn’t been cooperating with investigators, they say his family and friends have been talking.

    Robinson’s mother told investigators that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, Gray said.

    Those decisions prompted several conversations in the household, especially between Robinson and his father. They had different political views and Robinson told his partner in a text that his dad had become a “diehard MAGA” since Trump was elected.

    Robinson’s mother recognized him when authorities released a picture of the suspect and his parents confronted him, at which time Robinson said he wanted to kill himself, Gray said.

    The family persuaded him to meet with a family friend who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, who persuaded Robinson to turn himself in, the prosecutor said.

    Robinson was arrested late Thursday near St. George, the southern Utah community where he grew up, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of where the shooting happened.

    Robinson detailed movements after the shooting
    In a text exchange with his partner released by authorities, Robinson wrote: “I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. Its quiet, almost enough to get out, but theres one vehicle lingering.”

    Then he wrote: “Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven’t seen anything about them finding it.” After that, he sent: “I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don’t wanna chance it.”

    He also was worried about losing his grandfather’s rifle and mentioned several times in the texts that he wished he had picked it up, according to the texts shared in court documents, which did not have timestamps. It was unclear how long after the shooting Robinson was texting.

    “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you,” Robinson wrote in another text to his partner.

    Prosecutor says Robinson told partner to delete texts
    Robinson discarded the rifle and clothing and asked his roommate to conceal evidence, Gray said.

    Robinson was charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

    He also was charged with witness tampering because he had directed his partner to delete their text messages and told his partner to stay silent if questioned by police, Gray said.

    Kash Patel says investigators will look at everyone
    FBI Director Kash Patel said Tuesday that agents are looking at “anyone and everyone” who was involved in a gaming chatroom on the social media platform Discord with Robinson. The chatroom involved “a lot more” than 20 people, he said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington.

    “We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said in response to a question about whether the Kirk shooting was being treated as part of a broader trend of violence against religious groups.

    The charges filed Tuesday carry two enhancements, including committing several of the crimes in front of or close to children and carrying out violence based on the subject’s political beliefs.

    Gray declined to say whether Robinson’s partner could face charges or whether anyone else might face charges.

    Kirk, a dominant figure in conservative politics, became a confidant of President Donald Trump after founding Arizona-based Turning Point USA, one of the nation’s largest political organizations. He brought young, conservative evangelical Christians into politics.

    In the days since Kirk’s assassination, Americans have found themselves facing questions about rising political violence, the deep divisions that brought the nation here and whether anything can change.

    Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticized him after his death. Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone they believe dishonored him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other consequences at work.

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    Jordan Vawter

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  • Watch Live: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect faces formal charges, first court hearing in Utah

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    Patel addresses post about “subject” in Kirk shooting

    The Senate Judiciary Committee asked FBI director Kash Patel on Tuesday about his decision to announce on X — hours after Kirk was killed — that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.”

    The statement sparked confusion, since law enforcement on the ground in Utah said no suspect had been apprehended. Patel later issued a follow-up post saying the subject had been released.

    Patel stood by the comments on Tuesday, saying that the FBI doesn’t only identify “suspects” but also interviews and eliminates “subjects” in investigations.

    “What we had at the time was a subject in custody in relation to this investigation,” Patel said. “So in my commitment to work with the public to help identify subjects and suspects, I put that information out. And then when we interviewed him, I put out the results of that. And could I have been more careful in my verbiage and included ‘a subject’ instead of ‘subject?’ Sure.”

    When Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont said Patel’s handling of the situation “was a mistake,” the FBI director disagreed.

    “I don’t see it as a mistake,” Patel said. “I see it as something, working with the public to identify that there was a subject in custody.”  


     

    Patel says FBI is investigating Discord chat

    FBI director Kash Patel faced questions about the investigation in Kirk’s killing while testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

    Patel told Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri that the FBI is looking into a group chat on the messaging platform Discord that included the suspect in Kirk’s killing. Patel said the FBI is working to preserve the contents of the chat.

    “Unfortunately, it has been leaked that there was a Discord chat … that the suspect participated in. So what we’re doing, we’ve already done is sort of the legal process, not just on Discord, so that the information we gathered is sustained and held in an evidentiary posture that we could use in prosecution should we decide to do so,” he said. “And we’re also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat.”

    Patel said there were a “lot more” than 20 users involved in the chat. 


    By Kathryn Watson

     

    Suspect appeared to confess to killing on Discord, company says

    Tyler Robinson appeared to take responsibility for shooting Charlie Kirk in messages sent to friends on the chat platform Discord, a company spokesperson said. 

    “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” read a message from an account that allegedly belonged to Robinson, according to the spokesperson and a law enforcement source. “It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this.” 

    Members of the chat also recognized Robinson in images released by the FBI and asked if he was the shooter, according to the law enforcement source. Robinson did not seem to refute the question. In one exchange, the sources said a friend appeared to tease Robinson by quipping that he should avoid McDonald’s — where accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione was caught with a manifesto, a gun and a fake ID late last year.

    The account appearing to belong to Robinson responded: “Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around.”

    The messages, first reported by the Washington Post, were sent toward the end of the manhunt that ended with Robinson in custody late Thursday, Sept. 11. 

    Read more here.


     

    Suspect held in special housing unit of Utah jail

    Tyler Robinson is being held under special watch in a Utah jail, authorities said over the weekend. 

    Robinson “will remain on a special watch status until cleared by mental health, which may take several days,” the Utah County Sheriff said in a statement Sunday. 

    “This is done for various reasons ranging from: the types of crimes you’re booked on, behavioral issues, violent behavior, and/or suicidal comments made during the arrest,” the sheriff’s statement said. “The special housing unit has more close supervision as does our special watch.”

    The sheriff noted that he hadn’t been made aware of any suicidal concerns or comments regarding Robinson.

    Robinson is accused of aggravated murder, which could see him face the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or 25 years to life in prison with parole. He is also accused of obstruction of justice, which carries a penalty of up to 15 years in jail, and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, which carries a penalty of five years to life in prison, according to the Utah County Attorney’s office.

    Read more here.


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  • Suspect in killing of Charlie Kirk likely to face charges Tuesday before first court hearing

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    Suspect in killing of Charlie Kirk likely to face charges Tuesday before first court hearing

    PROVO, Utah (AP) — Prosecutors are preparing to file a capital murder charge Tuesday against the Utah man who authorities say held a “leftist ideology” and may have been “radicalized” online before he was arrested in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

    Charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson are expected to come ahead of the first court hearing since he was accused last week of shooting Kirk, a conservative activist credited with energizing the Republican youth movement and helping President Donald Trump win back the White House in 2024.

    Investigators have been piecing together evidence, including a rifle and ammunition engraved with anti-fascist and meme culture messaging, found after the shooting Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was speaking there on one of his many campus visits where he relished debating just about everyone.

    Prosecutors in Utah County are considering several charges against Robinson, the most serious being aggravated murder because it could bring the death penalty if there is a conviction.

    Once charges are filed, Robinson is scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing. He has been held without bail since his arrest, and it remained unclear whether he has an attorney.

    While authorities say Robinson hasn’t been cooperating with investigators, they do say his family and friends have been talking. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said over the weekend that those who know Robinson say his politics shifted left in recent years and that he spent a lot of time in the “dark corners of the internet.”

    FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends” that DNA evidence has linked Robinson to a towel wrapped around a rifle found near the Utah Valley campus and a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired.

    Before the shooting, Robinson wrote in a note that he had an opportunity to take out Kirk and was going to do it, according to Patel.

    Investigators are working on finding a motive for the attack, Utah’s governor said Sunday, adding that more information may come out once Robinson appears for his initial court hearing.

    Cox said Robinson’s romantic partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign the suspect was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views. But authorities have not yet said whether that played a role. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

    Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said Monday that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative. He said investigators believe Robinson acted alone during the shooting, but they also are looking at whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand.

    In the days since Kirk’s assassination, Americans have found themselves facing questions about rising political violence, the deep divisions that brought the nation here and whether anything can change.

    Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticized him after his death. Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone who they believe dishonored him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other consequences at work.

    This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

    Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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  • FBI Director Kash Patel reveals details about alleged Kirk assassin’s texts

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    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    FBI Director Kash Patel shared new details Monday night about the prosecution of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10. 

    Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared on “Hannity” with the FBI director first outlining evidence investigators are piecing together.

    “We are going to be interviewing scores of people, on not just these chats on Discord, but any communications that this individual had,” Patel told Sean Hannity.

    Patel confirmed that investigators had confiscated electronics from the suspect’s Utah home and that of his alleged partner. 

    DEATH PENALTY LOOMS FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S ACCUSED KILLER BUT LEGAL BAR IS HIGH AS TRUMP, COX MOUNT PRESSURE

    Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk arrives to speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Thomas & Mack Center, Oct. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

    “We’ve seized multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We’ve got computers, we’ve got laptops, gaming systems, cell phones,” Patel explained.

    “The evidence and information will come out. I won’t stylize the evidence, but I will say what was found in terms of information was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that.”

    When pressed on the suspect’s motive, Patel noted words attributed to him: “And when he was asked why, he said some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”

    CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION SUSPECT AWAITS CHARGES AS UTAH RESIDENTS DESCRIBE ALLEGED KILLER AS ‘VERY QUIET’

    Bondi also weighed in on the pursuit of justice against the suspect accused of murdering Kirk.

    Bondi explained that state prosecutors in Utah have jurisdiction over the suspect. 

    “They will indict most likely tomorrow or this week, and they will indict him for first-degree murder,” Bondi said, suggesting that formal charges could be imminent.

    Bondi also addressed speculation over whether the suspect could face the death penalty, a possibility under Utah law. 

    “It’s too soon right now, legally to say, but I think the governor has said that they want to seek the death penalty, which is very real in Utah, and they still have the firing squad in Utah,” she told Hannity.

    Charlie Kirk shot, police secure the scene

    Law enforcement tapes off an area after Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    Bondi further emphasized that federal prosecutors are reviewing the case for potential charges at the national level. “And then we, as federal prosecutors, we’ll look to see if we have federal charges as well,” she explained.

    “And of course, if we do, we will also indict and work hand in hand with the state to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law.”

    Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Before joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph with the U.S. overnight team, across desks including foreign, politics, news, sport and culture. 

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  • Republicans Have Found A Dubious Place To Blame For Charlie Kirk’s Shooting

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    After a two-day manhunt last week, authorities arrested a suspect on Friday in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and founder of Turning Point USA, a youth-focused right-wing organization.

    There is no clear motive connected to the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. But that hasn’t stopped certain conservative leaders from identifying a villain in the attack: colleges.

    “You heard the family members say that this man became more political in recent years. What did he do in recent years? He went to college,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said Friday during an interview on Fox News. “That is where kids are getting radicalized. Not just online. Our campuses are where a lot of radicalization, hate and intolerance starts from.”

    Robinson attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 before dropping out, the school said in a statement. He then enrolled in a technical college. Utah Valley University, where the shooting occurred, is about two hours away from Utah State.

    But conservatives have coalesced around the idea that Robinson was radicalized while attending college, and are using the shooting to speak out broadly against higher education. (Although some Republicans, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, have said Robinson embraced “leftist ideology,” the suspect’s political beliefs are not clear.)

    “Our universities, in many cases, have become incubators for extremism,” Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, said on a Fox News appearance on Friday. “They have become the equivalent of madrasas for jihadism,” he said, using the Arabic word for educational institutions.

    Kari Lake, a close Trump ally and the senior adviser for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, weighed in at a memorial service for Kirk at the Kennedy Center on Sunday.

    “How does a 22-year-old become so filled with hate?” asked Lake, who has embraced numerous conspiracy theories. “Five years earlier, I was told, he was a Trump supporter, and we send our kids off to college, and they brainwashed them.”

    “I am making a plea to mothers,” she added. “Do not send your children into these indoctrination camps. Do not do it.”

    White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, speaking in Washington on Aug. 29, 2025, called U.S. colleges and universities “the equivalent of madrasas for jihadism” last Friday.

    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images

    Notably, Kirk himself embraced the idea of using colleges as a place to spread his organization’s message. Turning Point USA, which he founded in 2012 with Bill Montgomery, has 900 campus chapters.

    Kirk was known for going to colleges and setting up “prove me wrong” tables where would engage in debates with college students. The podcaster often advocated for lax gun laws and frequently made incendiary comments about Black people, women, immigrants and his political opponents.

    Kirk was on the first stop of his latest tour across college campuses when he was shot. He was sitting in front of a crowd of about 3,000 people and had just answered a question about mass shootings when gunfire rang out.

    Conservatives aren’t just suggesting college radicalized the suspect; they’re also calling for a dismantling of higher education institutions.

    “Tyler Robinson is every conservative parent’s worst nightmare,” Dinesh D’Souza, a right-wing political commentator and author, said on X on Friday. “Send your kid to college where he is radicalized into a violent ‘antifascist’ by the sly, scheming leftist professors.”

    “We need to put radical academia on trial along with its cherished product, Tyler Robinson,” he wrote.

    Right-wing anti-Islam activist and noted conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer has also advocated for American universities to be punished for Kirk’s death.

    “It’s time to defund American universities. You don’t need to go to college. Charlie Kirk didn’t go to college,” she said on X on Sunday.

    The rush to frame higher education as the culprit in Kirk’s killing is an extension of the right’s war on colleges, which has received a big boost from the Trump administration.

    Since January, the federal government has sought to control the admissions and hiring practices of elite universities.

    In February, Trump signed an executive order saying that all public schools must get rid of their diversity programs. The Department of State revoked international student visas and has subjected foreign college students to extra scrutiny, alleging they are importing dangerous beliefs.

    Trump also demanded that several Ivy League universities, including Harvard and Columbia, prioritize enrolling students who support “American values” and promoting right-leaning professors. Universities that didn’t comply were threatened with loss of federal funding, which would impact scientific research.

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  • Steve Bannon urges investigation of Spencer Cox after Charlie Kirk shooting

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    Steve Bannon has called for an investigation into Utah Governor Spencer Cox following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

    Newsweek reached out to Cox’s office for comment via email.

    Why It Matters

    Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a speech at Utah Valley University on September 10 during his “American Comeback Tour.” A suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is in custody. Kirk was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and played a key role in organizing young Republican voters.

    What To Know

    Cox has earned bipartisan praise for his response to the assassination, but some more MAGA-aligned conservatives, such as Bannon, have been more critical. During an episode of his War Room podcast, the former White House chief strategist called on Cox to be investigated over the state’s mental health initiatives.

    No law enforcement has suggested Cox has done any wrongdoing to warrant an investigation.

    During an interview with Sheila Matthews, a co-founder of a conservative parental rights group, Bannon raised concerns about Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a company that is contracted by the state to provide services for individuals who have disabilities. Robinson’s mother, Amber Robinson, is a social worker who has reportedly worked for the company.

    “Cox should be investigated. Why the White House—and they’re saying we had nothing to do with this guy, but even the first time, when [FBI Director Kash Patel] flew out there, why was he allowed to have a speaking role? Who made that decision? He needs to be investigated. [Robinson’s] mother needs to be investigated,” Bannon said.

    Steve Bannon speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2025.

    Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

    Bannon also raised concerns about Cox’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, as the governor has been viewed as more moderate on the matter. He has previously declined to sign some anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, leaving him at odds with more conservative Republicans.

    Robinson lived with a transgender roommate and romantic partner who is helping police in the investigation. Cox said the roommate “had no idea that this was happening.”

    Kirk was previously critical of Cox, calling on him to be “expelled from the Republican Party” after he declined to sign into law a bill to ban transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports.

    What People Are Saying

    Utah Governor Spencer Cox, during a press conference last week: “Social media is a cancer on our society right now, and I would encourage people to log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member. Go out and do good in the community.”

    Journalist Chris Cillizza, on X: “The country (and the world) now know the Utah governor’s name — due to the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the Beehive State on Wednesday. And what they’ve seen is a politician less interested in blame than in soothing. An elected official focused on empathy rather than political point-scoring.

    “At the moment, we have a politics perfectly suited to our modern the attention economy. People who yell or bully or say vile things or ignore norms are rewarded — more fundraising dollars, more TV time, more ‘fame.’ It has created a downward spiral where our politicians seem to value trolling the other side more than actually engaging with them.

    “But, Spencer Cox deserves credit — whether or not he is going to be a major player for Republicans in 2028 (or ever). Because he is doing the hardest thing in politics: Refusing to take the easy road.”

    Governor Josh Shapiro, a Pennsylvania Democrat, on CBS News: “We are at a pivotal moment in this country, and we need leaders to step up and speak and act with moral clarity, not to use the rhetoric of vengeance, but to use words of healing. That’s exactly what Spencer has been doing over the past few years. Actually, he’s been doing it over the last number of years.”

    What Happens Next

    Charges against Robinson are expected to be filed this week.

    Turning Point USA is set to hold a memorial for Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21.

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  • Charlie Kirk assassination suspect under special watch as investigators seek motive

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    The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is under special watch in a Utah jail, days after he allegedly shot and killed the 31-year-old conservative activist.

    “Tyler Robinson is being housed in our special housing unit so that we can keep a close eye on him,” the Utah County Sheriff said in a statement Sunday. “He will remain on a special watch status until cleared by mental health, which may take several days.”

    Authorities will then decide which housing for him is appropriate and continue to monitor him in prison, the statement said.

    “This is done for various reasons ranging from: the types of crimes you’re booked on, behavioral issues, violent behavior, and/or suicidal comments made during the arrest,” the sheriff’s statement said. “The special housing unit has more close supervision as does our special watch.”

    The sheriff noted that he hadn’t been made aware of any suicidal concerns or comments regarding Robinson.

    Robinson, 22, is being held in the Utah County Jail. He was taken into custody last week on charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, according to an inmate booking sheet from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.

    Authorities are still working to identify a motive in the killing of Kirk, who was speaking at an outdoor debate at Utah Valley University when he was fatally shot in what authorities said was a “targeted attack” on Wednesday. 

    Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and two law enforcement sources said Robinson is “not cooperating” with authorities.

    “There will be official charges filed on Tuesday, and there will be much more evidence and information available then,” Cox said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “And again, we’re interviewing all kinds of people, everyone that knows him, and trying to learn more about what that motive actually was.”

    He said investigations learned that Robinson had left-leaning political beliefs and disliked Kirk. He also said Robinson’s partner was transgender but that he was unsure if it was relevant in the case.

    “The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female,” Cox said. “I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.”

    Kirk co-founded the right-wing advocacy group Turning Point USA, which is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. People have gathered there to leave photos, flowers and other mementos at a memorial.

    Items are left at a memorial for Charlie Kirk at the headquarters of Turning Point USA on Sept. 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. 

    Eric Thayer/Getty Images


    Sarah Lynch Baldwin

    Sarah Lynch Baldwin is a deputy managing editor of CBSNews.com. She helps lead national and breaking news coverage and shapes editorial workflows.

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  • Two men accused of lighting live bomb under vehicle in Salt Lake

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    Police in Utah arrested two men for allegedly placing a live bomb underneath a news media vehicle. 

    Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahme Nasir, 31, were taken into custody in Salt Lake City on Sunday, according to a probable cause statement reviewed by KUTV.

    Bomb squads with the Salt Lake City Police Department and officials with the Unified Fire Authority responded to reports of a suspicious device on Friday. 

    They soon discovered an incendiary device was placed under a vehicle operated by an unknown media outlet, near an occupied building, per the records. 

    The explosive device ‘had been lit but failed to function as designed,’ the legal document stated. 

    The investigation, which was led by the FBI, saw authorities obtain a warrant for a home in Magna – about 18 miles outside of the capital. 

    It was there that both suspects were found, along with two devices that turned out to be spoof weapons of mass destruction. 

    Initially, the suspects told authorities the devices were real, leading to an immediate evacuation of the property while bomb squads worked to get rid of the devices. 

    Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahme Nasir, 31, were arrested Sunday for allegedly placing a live bomb under a car in Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday. They were taken into custody after the FBI executed a search warrant on their home in Magna (pictured)

    Other surrounding homes were also evacuated because of the scare. 

    Authorities also found firearms, more explosive devices,  illegal narcotics and paraphernalia and ‘explosive-related components’ inside the home, according to records. 

    Electronic devices believed to contain evidence of the alleged crimes were also found in the home, arrest documents said.  

    Both suspects have been charged with two counts of weapon of mass destruction – manufacture/possess/sell/use, attempted aggravated arson, four counts of explosive/chemical/incendiary – possessing parts and two counts of threat of terrorism – use of weapon/hoax mass destruction, according to jail records reviewed by Daily Mail. 

    Adeeb, who was born in Pakistan, was booked into Salt Lake County Jail and ordered to be held without bail, records revealed. 

    It is unclear where Adil, a Utah native, is being held at this time.

    Daily Mail contacted the Salt Lake City Utah field office for more information. 

    The frightening arrests come just days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday during a speaking event

    The frightening arrests come just days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday during a speaking event 

    Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection to Kirk's assassination. He has not admitted to the murder and is not cooperating with police, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said

    Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection to Kirk’s assassination. He has not admitted to the murder and is not cooperating with police, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said 

    The latest threat to the state comes just days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem – about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City. 

    Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at the college on Wednesday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

    A massive manhunt was then started by the FBI to find his killer, and after nearly two days, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection to Kirk’s assassination. 

    He was turned into federal authorities by his father after he recognized his son in the images and videos the FBI released to capture the killer. 

    Robinson is set to appear in court in Utah on Tuesday after he was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice.

    The accused killer could face execution by a firing squad if he is found guilty and prosecutors secure the death penalty against him.

    President Donald Trump said he wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of Kirk, whom he described as the ‘finest person’.

    Kirk’s funeral is set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.

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  • Vigil for Charlie Kirk held in alleged gunman’s Utah hometown draws hundreds of mourners

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    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

    Hundreds gathered Sunday night in the Utah hometown of alleged gunman Tyler Robinson to honor Charlie Kirk, mourn with his family, and acknowledge the pain of Robinson’s relatives.

    Organizer Jordan Hess told the crowd he was “deeply moved” by their attendance. 

    “I’m grateful that everyone felt the desire and the need to be here in the spirit of community tonight,” he said, clearly emotional.

    Hess said the event was organized to “celebrate who we are as Americans – and to mourn … We gather today not as Democrats or Republicans, not as left or right, not as different races or believers of different religions but as citizens of the greatest, most enduring experiment of self-government that the world has ever known.”

    CHARLIE KIRK’S FRIEND URGES MOURNERS TO ‘GO BACK TO CHURCH’ FOLLOWING ACTIVIST’S KILLING

    Community members gather in Washington City, Utah, on Sept. 14, 2025, for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk. (Fox News Digital)

    He noted the vigil was also about mourning Kirk’s life, mourning for his family, the family of the alleged shooter, the students who witnessed the tragedy, and “mourning what this moment threatens to say about the state of our union.”

    Whether or not people agreed with Kirk’s beliefs, “one truth remains, he was an American, a citizen, a son, a husband and maybe most importantly a voice. He bravely used his voice to advocate for things he believed in: faith, family and freedom,” Hess said. 

    He added that “political assassination is not just the taking of life, it is the attempted murder of dialogue,” imploring that people should be able to “disagree passionately without destroying one another.”

    UTAH LEADERS URGE UNITY FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION: ‘TURNING POINT FOR AMERICA’

    Charlie Kirk Vigil Washington City, Utah

    Community members gather in Washington City, Utah, on Sept. 14, 2025, for a vigil honoring Charlie Kirk. (Fox News Digital)

    Attendee Taylor Crosby told Fox News Digital that he decided to come to the vigil because the “recent attack on free speech is something that should motivate the entire country to come together because when we can’t speak our mind, that’s the death of democracy at that point. So, something needs to change and I want to be the change that we want to see in the world.”

    Although he didn’t agree with Kirk on everything, Crosby said he respected his opinions and that he fought for what he believed in.

    Crosby said he didn’t know the Robinson family but had heard he was involved in a socialist community in the area.

    UTAH STUDENTS LIFT VOICES IN PRAYER AT VIGIL FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S CHRISTIAN LEGACY: ‘FELT CALLED BY GOD’

    Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University campus

    Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, prior to the assassination. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

    “And I’ve had friends that are part of that group, and a lot of them are just filled with hate and vitriol,” he said. “I’ve gotten blocked and removed as friends for having opinions as basic as having a border and not letting in unlimited numbers of migrants. So, there’s definitely a wide extreme of people in this area. Anywhere from people who will come to support free speech to people who will demonize you for having an opinion that 50% of the population believes in. So it’s tough.”

    Jesse Wilkinson stood quietly in the crowd wearing a shirt emblazoned with the word “Freedom.” 

    For Wilkinson, a part-time firefighter from St. George who now lives in Washington, Utah, showing up was about more than politics.

    “I just wanted to support my community,” he said. “I know we’re going through a hard time with the alleged shooter being from here and everything. I grew up in St. George… I just wanted to be supportive and share my love and support for all those that are mourning, especially the Kirk family as well as the Robinson family. I know they’re going through a really hard time.”

    Wilkinson said he became a firefighter out of a desire to serve, and Kirk’s death struck him deeply.

    VIGILS HELD ACROSS US AFTER ASSASSINATION OF CHARLIE KIRK: ‘WE MUST HEAL’

    Charlie Kirk with family on Christmas, him and wife Erika smiling at each other, holding two kids

    Charile Kirk and his wife, Erika Lane Frantzve and their two children at Christmas in December 2024. (Charlie Kirk via Facebook)

    “I think he was an amazing, amazing man. He was having an amazing impact. I admire the man, and I know his voice will echo forever.”

    He also framed the tragedy as an attack not just on Kirk but on the freedoms he stood for.

    “If we’re silent, that’s what’s going to cause violence. We need to come together, we need to talk, and agree to disagree,” he said, echoing Kirk’s words about open debate.

    Even his shirt carried meaning. The “freedom” design, a gift from his mother, was a subtle nod to Kirk’s style and the values he represented.

    “We’re the greatest country on the face of the planet, and we have amazing freedoms,” Wilkinson said.

    For him, the vigil was about honoring Kirk, standing with neighbors, and recommitting to the principles of dialogue and freedom.

    Kevin Holyoak shared a similar message. He told Fox News Digital the evening was a time for reflection, adding that the country is going through tough times and urging people to respect differing beliefs.

    CHARLIE KIRK SHOOTING LEADS TO OUTPOURING FROM UTAH OFFICIALS, 2025 NOMS ON BOTH SIDES

    Charlie Kirk Vigil Washington City, Utah

    Attendees listen as speakers call for unity during a vigil in Washington City, Utah, on Sept. 14, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

    “It’s better to talk through things as opposed to taking measures into your own hands that harm somebody else,” he said, noting that violence runs against the values America was built on.

    A fan of Kirk, Holyoak described him as “an inspiring young person that got it real early.” He admired how Kirk listened to opposing opinions, treated people with respect, and encouraged open conversation.

    “I just think we all need to act that way,” he said.

    For him, the vigil was about honoring Kirk’s legacy while urging the community – and the country – to return to dialogue over conflict.

    Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed told mourners the vigil was a moment for unity and healing. Speaking personally and not in his official role, Smeed called the past week “an incredibly difficult, tragic week” and urged the community to lean on faith instead of fear.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    He reflected on the meaning of unity, describing it as harmony and oneness, and used the image of Canadian geese flying in formation to illustrate how individuals support one another — and what happens when one falls behind. True unity, he said, means ensuring no one is left alone. “To be peacemakers, we have to strive to remove contention and hate in our lives,” Smeed said.

    He closed with a prayer for peace, reminding the community that healing would come only through choosing dialogue, compassion, and unity.

    Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

    Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

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  • 2 arrested after incendiary device placed under news vehicle in Salt Lake City

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    Two men in Utah were arrested after an incendiary device was placed under a news media vehicle in Salt Lake City on Friday, according to court documents obtained by CBS News.

    The device had been lit but “failed to function as designed,” a Unified Fire Authority Investigations officer wrote in affidavits of probable cause filed in the 3rd District Court of Salt Lake County. Fox 13, a news station based in Salt Lake City, confirmed to CBS News that the device was placed under their vehicle, which was parked next to an occupied building.

    Authorities arrested Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31, who were booked at Salt Lake County Jail on Sunday and could face charges that include attempted aggravated arson, threat of terrorism and possession of weapons of mass destruction, according to the documents. They are being held without bail.

    “Due to the nature of the device and its placement, this incident constituted a significant threat to public safety,” Unified Fire Authority Investigations officer Jeffrey David Nelson said in the affidavit, noting a risk of mass casualties.

    The FBI, which is leading the investigation with assistance from the Unified Fire Authority bomb squad, identified and tracked the suspects to a home on the outskirts of Salt Lake City.

    At the residence, investigators located firearms, illegal narcotics and hoax weapons of mass destruction — devices that don’t contain anything harmful but appear legitimate. The suspects claimed those devices were real, prompting evacuations in neighboring residences. Both men had protective orders preventing them from legally owning firearms due to histories of illicit drug use.

    It’s unclear if the two suspects have obtained legal representation.

    A Unified Fire Authority official told CBS News that no further information will be shared at this time, citing the ongoing investigation.

    The death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot last week at an event at Utah Valley University, about 40 miles from Salt Lake City, has drawn a higher media presence than usual to the area. Investigators are still determining a motive for the attack and charges are expected to be filed this week against the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, according to the Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.

    Lauren Fichten

    Lauren Fichten is an associate producer at CBS News.

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  • Utah governor says suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination is not cooperating with authorities

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    The 22-year-old suspect behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is “not cooperating” with investigators, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and two law enforcement sources said.

    Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack and said more information may come out once the suspect, Tyler Robinson, appears in court on Tuesday.

    “There’s so much more that we’re learning, and so much more that we will learn,” Cox said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “There will be official charges filed on Tuesday, and there will be much more evidence and information available then. And again, we’re interviewing all kinds of people, everyone that knows him, and trying to learn more about what that motive actually was.”

    Kirk, who co-founded the right-wing advocacy group Turning Point USA and was a confidant of President Trump, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Wednesday as he addressed a large crowd at an outdoor debate. He was 31 and is survived by his wife, Erika, and two young children.

    Robinson was arrested Friday on charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, according to an inmate booking sheet from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Officials described the shootings as a “targeted attack,” and it drew condemnation from both sides of the political aisle

    Cox, a Republican who has called on both the left and right to tone down their rhetoric after the attack, said: “I really don’t have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, I’d be saying that as well.”

    The governor said investigations have unearthed that Robinson had left-leaning political beliefs and disliked Kirk. 

    “That information comes from people around him, his family members and friends,” he said on CNN.

    Cox also said the suspect’s partner was transgender but that he was unsure if it was relevant to the case.

    “The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female,” Cox said. “I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.”

    State records show that Robinson registered as an unaffiliated voter. He is listed as an inactive voter in state records, meaning he didn’t vote in the last two elections. He was not old enough to vote in 2020. 

    Robinson had no prior felony or misdemeanor convictions and no prior violent offenses, according to a Public Safety Assessment Report filed in Utah state court.

    Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah. He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen told the Associated Press.

    Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages. Court records show that one bullet casing had the message, “Hey, fascist! Catch!”

    Lucia I Suarez Sang

    Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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  • Charlie Kirk shooting suspect’s family says he recently became more politically active

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    Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is being held in Spanish Fork, Utah. Officials have yet to identify a precise motive for Wednesday’s shooting. Carter Evans has new developments.

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  • They witnessed Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Now students reckon with the grief

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    One student holed up in his house for two days after witnessing Charlie Kirk’s assassination, nervous about going back to the Utah college campus where the conservative activist was shot. Another, unable to sleep or shake what she saw and heard, called her dad to come take her home.

    As investigators spend the weekend digging deeper into suspect Tyler James Robinson ahead of his initial court appearance Tuesday, students who witnessed Wednesday’s shooting at Utah Valley University are reckoning with trauma, grief and the pall the killing has cast on their community.

    Robinson’s arrest late Thursday calmed some fears. Still, questions persist about the alleged shooter’s motive and planning, as well as security lapses that allowed a man with a rifle to shoot Kirk from a rooftop before fleeing.

    The university has said there will be increased security when classes resume on Sept. 17.

    In Robinson’s hometown, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of campus, a law enforcement presence was significantly diminished Saturday after the FBI executed a search warrant at his family’s home. A gray Dodge Challenger that authorities say Robinson drove to UVU appeared to have been hauled away.

    No one answered the door Saturday at his family’s home in Washington, Utah, and blinds were drawn on all the windows.

    Elsewhere, Kirk’s death has led to fallout for people critical of his rhetoric or unsympathetic to his supporters. On Friday, retailer Office Depot said it had fired a worker at a Michigan store who was seen on video refusing to print flyers for a Kirk vigil and calling them “propaganda.”

    At a makeshift memorial near Utah Valley University’s main entrance in Orem, people have been leaving flowers in tribute to Kirk. On Saturday morning, cars looped the streets nearby, honking horns, flying American flags and displaying messages such as “We love you Charlie,” “Charlie 4 Ever” and “RIP Charlie.”

    In the area where the Turning Point USA co-founder was shot, a crew has begun taking down tents and banners and scrubbing away reminders of the killing.

    A memorial to Kirk brings stunned students together

    Student Alec Vera stopped at the memorial after finally leaving his house Friday night for a drive to clear his head. Vera said he had been in a daze, unable to concentrate and avoiding people, since watching Kirk collapse about 30 or 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) in front of him.

    “I just kind of felt the need to come here, to be with everyone, either to comfort or to be comforted, just to kind of surround myself with those that are also mourning,” Vera said.

    One woman knelt, sobbing inconsolably. Others stood quietly or spoke softly with friends. On the outer perimeter of the campus, trees were wrapped in red ribbons.

    A handful of cars remained stranded in parking lots by students who left behind keys while fleeing the shooting. One student pleaded with an officer to let him retrieve his bike from beyond the police tape and cracked a smile as the officer let him through. The university said people can pick up their belongings early next week.

    Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, gave remarks Friday, two days after her husband’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University. “My husband’s mission will not end.”

    Anxious about returning to campus

    Student Marjorie Holt started crying when she brought flowers to campus Thursday night, prompting her to change her mind about returning to campus this weekend.

    Hours after the shooting, the 18-year-old said she lay in bed, haunted by the horror she witnessed: the sound of a single gunshot as Kirk answered a question and then, “I saw him fall over, I saw the blood, but for some reason it couldn’t click to me what happened.”

    After she learned he had died, she burst into tears. Unable to sleep because of a pounding headache, nausea and the day’s trauma, she called her dad, who brought her home to Salt Lake City, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) to the north.

    Returning to campus, Holt said, is “going to feel like a terrible, like a burden on my heart.”

    Vera said Kirk was shot in the main campus gathering spot — where students take naps, meditate, do homework and hang out.

    “Seeing it when I go back, I will be pretty uncomfortable at first, knowing I have to walk past it each time, knowing what had just occurred here,” Vera said.

    Struggling with flashbacks and a weird heaviness

    Student Alexis Narciso said he has flashbacks every time he hears a bang, a honking horn or other loud noises. He was about 10 feet (3 meters) away.

    “I just feel numb. I don’t feel anything,” Narciso said. “I want to cry but at the same time I don’t.”

    Jessa Packard, a single mother of two who lives near the campus, said even with a suspect in custody, her feeling of unease hasn’t lifted. Packard’s home security system captured video of the Dodge Challenger that police say Robinson drove to campus. After the shooting, she said, law enforcement officers descended on her neighborhood, searching yards and taking security footage.

    “There’s this really weird heaviness and I think, honestly, a lot of fear for me personally that hasn’t gone away,” Packard said. “The fact that there was like this murderer in my neighborhood, not knowing where he is but knowing he’s been through there, coursing things out, is a really eerie feeling.”

    Searching for closure from one campus to another

    Halle Hanchett, 19, a student at nearby Brigham Young University, said she had just pulled her phone out to start filming Kirk when she heard the gunshot followed by a collective gasp. Hanchett said she saw blood, Kirk’s security team jump forward and horror on the faces around her. She dropped to the ground in the fetal position, wondering: “What is going on? Am I going to die?”

    On Friday, she brought flowers and quietly gazed at the area where the kickoff to Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” had ended in violence.

    “The last few days I’ve just, haven’t really said much, I just kinda like zone out, stare off,” Hanchett said, standing with her fiancé as water fountains bubbled nearby. “The memory, it just replays.”

    She’s praying for the strength to move forward, she said, “and take it as: ‘OK, I was here for this. How can I learn from this? And how can I help other people learn from this?’”

    A neighbor of Robinson’s looks for answers

    In Robinson’s hometown, neighbor Kris Schwiermann recalled him as a shy, studious and “very respectful” student who loved to read. Schwiermann, 66, was head custodian at the elementary school that Robinson and his siblings attended.

    She said she was stunned by the news of his arrest, describing the Robinsons as a “very tight-knit family.”

    Like the Robinsons, Schwiermann is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She said they belonged to the same congregation, though she said the family hadn’t been active in the church in at least eight years.

    “I want to make sure that people know that we don’t have any ill feelings towards their family or him,” Schwiermann said. “He made the wrong choice.”

    ___

    Yamat reported from Washington, Utah, and St. George, Utah. Associated Press reporters Sejal Govindarao in Phoenix and Michael R. Sisak in New York also contributed to this report.

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    Jesse Bedayn, Hannah Schoenbaum, Lindsey Wasson and Rio Yamat | The Associated Press

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  • Charlie Kirk shooting suspect held without bail

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    Charlie Kirk shooting suspect held without bail – CBS News










































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    The man accused of killing conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk is being held without bail in a Utah jail. Meanwhile, vigils and memorials across the country honored Kirk as his widow made her first public remarks since his death.

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  • In southern Utah, friends and neighbors try to understand, who is Tyler Robinson?

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    WASHINGTON CITY, Utah — Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer, Tyler James Robinson, is currently being held in the Utah County Jail, but he grew up here, in the southwest corner of the state.

    A town of just over 37,000 people a four-hour drive south of Salt Lake City, Washington City is situated in the middle of the dramatic red rocks of southern Utah, about 30 minutes away from Zion National Park. It’s full of well laid-out stucco homes, many of them recently built, with American flags blowing gently from their porches.

    The family home of Tyler Robinson, who is the suspect in the Utah Valley University killing of Charlie Kirk, is pictured in Washington, Utah, on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. The house is blue and in the lower left of the photo. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

    People in Robinson’s neighborhood and those he grew up with expressed shock and grief to the Deseret News, reacting to the news just hours after Robinson was identified by authorities on Friday morning.

    Outside his parents’ home in Washington City, law enforcement officers blocked off the street with vehicles.

    Siblings Victoria and Colby Cannon live in the area and came to see the house, after seeing police cars and hordes of journalists in the area. Both Victoria and Colby were big fans of Charlie Kirk and were shocked when they realized the suspected shooter was from nearby.

    Another woman standing on her front lawn only a few doors down from the Robinsons’ had a reporter park in front of her driveway. She expressed sympathy for the family and wished they were given more space.

    Kirk Shooter Hometown_KM_15.JPG

    Members of the media work near the family home of Tyler Robinson, who is the suspect in the Utah Valley University killing of Charlie Kirk, in Washington, Utah, on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

    A prominent conservative activist and organizer, Kirk was shot and killed during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday around noon. Just a few hours later he was pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

    Robinson was apprehended at 10 p.m. on Thursday night, after a statewide manhunt was carried out. Local, state and federal law enforcement officers combed through video, tips and forensic evidence as they searched for Kirk’s killer.

    Robinson is believed to have climbed to the roof of the Losee Center, a building next to the grassy amphitheater at UVU where Kirk was interacting with 3,000 students and visitors.

    Video and images released of the shooter were recognized by members of his family, who were praised by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox for being willing to turn him in.

    These two mugshots released by the FBI show Tyler Robinson. | FBI

    These two mugshots released by the FBI show Tyler Robinson. | FBI

    DN-UVUscenemap

    DN-UVUscenemap

    Investigators also spoke to Robinson’s roommate, who lived with him at an apartment in St. George and has not been identified.

    According to Cox, the roommate said Robinson communicated with him on Discord, a social media platform that is popular with young gamers.

    Cox said the roommate told investigators Robinson said he had left a gun wrapped in a towel in a wooded area next to the college campus.

    The bullet casings and bullets in the gun were engraved with anti-fascist messages, Cox said, including, “Hey, Fascist! Catch!” and another that said “If you read this, you are gay, lmao,” among others.

    Kirk Shooter Hometown_KM_1897.JPG

    Department of Public Safety forensics workers work at the apartment of Tyler Robinson, who is the suspect in the Utah Valley University killing of Charlie Kirk, in St. George on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

    A fellow Boy Scout

    Tate Conrad, also from Washington City, grew up with Robinson, and is enrolled in the same college program at Dixie Technical College in St. George. He is worried about Robinson’s family and the hate they are getting online.

    Conrad is a year younger than Robinson; they met in the same Boy Scout troop in middle school.

    Conrad started an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Tech this fall, where Robinson is in his third year.

    As a kid, Conrad said Robinson was “quiet, obviously, but he was a really nice kid. He was always genuine. He wasn’t a loner — he’d be by himself, but if you reached out to him, he’d just be there, and he’d join the conversation.”

    Conrad said Robinson fit in with the other Boy Scouts in their troop. “He was friends with all of us. Nobody disliked him. Nobody hated him. He was a good kid,” he said.

    They both also attended Pine View High School in St. George.

    When Conrad saw Robinson at Dixie Tech last week, he said, “He looked totally the same. Same old Tyler.”

    Robinson attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021, after receiving the presidential scholarship, worth $32,000.

    He was also exceptionally bright, scoring a 34 out of 36 on the ACT college aptitude test, according to a post from his mom on Facebook.

    It isn’t clear why he left USU.

    During a press conference Friday morning, Cox said a family member told law enforcement about a conversation at a family gathering prior to Sept. 10, where Robinson mentioned Kirk was coming to UVU.

    The family member said that Robinson had become more political in recent years, Cox said.

    KIRK MUX PRESSER 7AM_SGW_02464.jpg

    Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during a press conference while joined by FBI Director Kash Patel and other local and federal law enforcement and government officials in the Pope Science Building on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

    During a conversation at the gathering, Robinson mentioned Kirk’s viewpoints, and said Kirk “was full of hate and spreading hate,” Cox said.

    The Guardian reported that a high school friend of Robinson’s, who asked to remain anonymous, said Robinson was “pretty left on everything” and was “the only member of his family that was really leftist.” The friend said the other members of Robinson’s family were Republicans.

    The friend told the Guardian, “I knew he (Robinson) had strong political views, but I never thought it would even go near that far.”

    According to state records, Robinson is a registered voter in the state of Utah but is not affiliated with a political party and apparently hasn’t voted in the last two election cycles.

    What was it like to find out that Tyler Robinson is Kirk’s suspected killer?

    Kirk Shooter Hometown_KM_1067.JPG

    Tate Conrad, who grew up going to Boy Scouts with Tyler Robinson, the suspected killer of Charlie Kirk, poses for a portrait outside of his home in Washington on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

    “It was shocking, honestly,” Conrad said, when asked how he reacted to the news of Robinson’s arrest. “I didn’t know he was a person capable of something so violent. And it’s hard to digest, because I love Charlie Kirk, and he was an awesome figure.”

    Kirk was one of Conrad’s idols, he’s been listening to him for a year. “Charlie Kirk was somebody who stood for what he believed in. He loved God. And he was just trying to have peaceful interactions with the world,” Conrad said.

    Though Conrad has lost family members and friends close to him before, losing Kirk was different. It felt “like a piece of me was gone,” Conrad said. “It feels like we lost a light, a beacon for hope, because he helped a lot of people my age who were confused and wanted somebody they could talk to.”

    Kirk displayed patience, Conrad said. “That man was a saint. You could see people yelling and screaming at him, and he’d just be sitting there with a smile on his face, having the best time of his life.”

    Robinson’s 11-year-old neighbor reacts to news

    Standing next to his father Cory and little brother Beckham near Robinson’s apartment in St. George, Aiden Bartley, 11, recalled talking to Robinson and being surprised and confused after finding out that a man he had met is Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer.

    Kirk Shooter Hometown_KM_890.JPG

    Aiden Bartley, 11, takes in the scene around him and continues to react to the news that his neighbor Tyler Robinson is the suspected killer of Charlie Kirk, in St. George on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Robinson bought chocolates from Bartley for Bartley’s school fundraiser in the past. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

    In March, Aiden knocked on every single door in his neighborhood, selling chocolate bars for a school fundraiser.

    “He was really nice,” Aiden said, adding, “He bought, like, three chocolate bars. One was wafer.”

    Aiden said the other kids in his class are really sad about Kirk’s death as well.

    Cory Bartley had been following Charlie Kirk for the past five or six years. He was shocked to find out that Robinson lived just a couple doors away. “Small world,” he said. “It’s so crazy.”

    The Bartleys live near Robinson’s apartment in St. George, where he had at least one roommate.

    In Washington City, Robinson’s father recognized him from the images released by law enforcement officials and told his son to turn himself in. At first he resisted, according to the Associated Press, but then he changed his mind.

    Robinson was arrested for aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.

    Kirk Shooter Hometown_KM_1872.JPG

    The apartment of Tyler Robinson, who is the suspect in the Utah Valley University killing of Charlie Kirk, is pictured in St. George on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Kirk was a conservative activist and the founder and president of Turning Point USA. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

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