September 12, (THEWILL) — The suspected gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a college event in Utah has confessed to a family member and is now in custody, US President Donald Trump has confirmed.
Kirk, 31, was killed on Wednesday afternoon by a single gunshot while addressing about 3,000 people during his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
He was answering a question on mass shootings when a bullet struck his neck, sending students and visitors fleeing in panic.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we got him,” Cox announced at a Friday press conference.
The briefing followed President Trump’s earlier confirmation on Fox & Friends that the suspect had been apprehended.
“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump said, disclosing that Robinson’s father persuaded him to surrender to authorities.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Robinson was taken into custody around 10 p.m. local time on Thursday after a family member tipped off a friend, who alerted law enforcement.
Authorities said Robinson was linked to the shooting through online messages, family and friend interviews, and surveillance footage.
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