A 22-year-old trade school student has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Tyler Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday night after family members reported that he had implicated himself in the crime. Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced the arrest during a press conference, stating, "we got him."

The arrest followed a 33-hour manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have shot Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, approximately 40 miles from Salt Lake City. Kirk, co-founder of the conservative group Turning Point USA and a supporter of former President Donald Trump, was killed by a single rifle shot fired from a rooftop while attending an event with around 3,000 people.

Authorities recovered a bolt-action rifle near the scene, which is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Surveillance footage released by police showed a person of interest wearing dark clothing and sunglasses. A breakthrough in the investigation occurred when a relative and a family friend informed the local sheriff's office that Robinson had confessed or implied his involvement in the murder.

Robinson's father recognized him in the police images and later encouraged him to turn himself in. He was arrested at his parents' home, located about 260 miles from the crime scene. Police also collected evidence from Robinson's apartment in St. George, which is about 5 miles from his parents' residence.

Robinson is currently being held on suspicion of aggravated murder, with formal charges expected to be filed next week. The investigation has drawn significant attention, with Kirk's supporters expressing outrage and condemning political violence.

Governor Cox described Kirk's murder as a "watershed in American history," likening it to the political assassinations of the 1960s. He refrained from discussing potential motives for the shooting. Investigators discovered messages engraved on four bullet casings, including one that read, "If you read this, you are GAY Lmao," which referenced memes and video game culture.

The incident has sparked a wave of backlash against those perceived to be minimizing or mocking Kirk's death, with reports indicating that at least 15 individuals have faced job dismissals or suspensions due to their comments. Many Republicans, including Trump, have criticized the political left, alleging that anti-conservative sentiments have contributed to a climate of violence.