Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody in relation to the political commentator’s fatal shooting
The man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk is alleged to have carved anti-fascist messages into bullet casings before opening fire on the right-wing commentator.
Authorities clarified that none of the engravings made reference to transgender issues, despite an earlier law enforcement bulletin that mistakenly suggested otherwise.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody on Sept. 11 and has been accused of killing Kirk, 31, while he was speaking at a Turning Point USA event held at Utah Valley University the previous day.
Robinson was captured following a 33-hour manhunt, after he either confessed directly or suggested a confession to a family member, according to officials. That relative reportedly told a family friend, who then contacted the sheriff’s office. Earlier on Friday, President Donald Trump stated that a minister had been in touch with the suspect’s father before Robinson ultimately turned himself in.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson has been booked into the Utah County Jail, though it remains uncertain whether formal charges have been filed at this time.
While a definitive motive has not yet been determined, officials shared additional details that may help explain what preceded the deadly incident.
During a Friday morning press conference, Cox revealed that one inscription found on the bullet casing fired at Kirk read: “notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?”
Additional engravings were discovered on unspent casings located alongside the .30-06 Mauser rifle that was recovered in the woods near the university. One read: “Hey fascist, catch” followed by an up arrow, a right arrow, and three down arrows.
“I think that speaks for itself,” Cox remarked when asked about possible motives, referring specifically to the anti-fascist inscription.
Another casing bore the phrase: “O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao ciao” — an apparent nod to the World War II-era Italian anti-fascist folk anthem.
Yet another engraving stated: “If you read this you are gay lmao,” according to Cox.
Authorities believe Robinson fired from the roof of a building located 200 yards away from the venue. Surveillance footage later released by investigators showed a man fleeing the scene, leaping from the roof, and escaping into a nearby residential area.
Cox also said Robinson had recently commented during a family dinner that Kirk was scheduled to appear at UVU and voiced disdain toward him. In addition, Robinson’s roommate reportedly presented authorities with a joke posted from a Discord account linked to the suspect, in which he wrote: “I need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point.”
Cox concluded by emphasizing that authorities do not currently have information suggesting any further arrests will be made in connection with the case.
