He's arrested!

The suspect arrested and charged in the killing of American patriot Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, NBC News reported, citing statements from five senior law enforcement officials familiar with the case.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said at a news conference that Tyler Robinson's family played a key role in his arrest.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, we have arrested him. A family member of Tyler Robinson contacted a family friend who then contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with information that Robinson had confessed or implied he had committed a crime," the Utah governor said at the beginning of his address.

He added that members of Robinson's family said that he had become more politically engaged in recent years.

"A family member said that during one evening, Tyler mentioned to another relative that Charlie Kirk was coming to the University of Utah. Then they discussed his views and why they didn't like him. He then mentioned that Kirk is full of hate and continues to spread hate," he added.

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The suspect's roommate showed investigators messages about the need to find the rifle

Suspected shooter Tyler Robinson's roommate showed investigators messages on Discord, a group chat app, where Robinson talked about finding a rifle, according to Utah's governor.

Zimmer opened Discord and "allowed investigators to photograph the screen as each message was displayed by Robinson's friend," Cox said at a news conference today.

"The content of these messages included messages associated with contact Tyler stating the need to retrieve the rifle from the drop site, leaving the rifle in the bushes, messages relating to visual observation of the area where the rifle was left and a message relating to the rifle being left wrapped in a towel," Cox detailed.

Patrick T. Fallon / AFP / Profimedia

"The messages also mention bullet engraving and mention of a scope, as well as the rifle being unique. The messages from Tyler's contact also mentioned that he changed his clothes," Cox noted.

Investigators found the suspect wearing clothing similar to the one seen in the video

Authorities carefully reviewed surveillance footage from Utah Valley University and saw the suspect arrive on campus Wednesday morning in a Dodge Challenger, Cox said.

He was seen wearing a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo and light-colored shoes, Cox said.

When investigators met him this morning, the suspect was wearing clothing "consistent" with that seen in the video, the governor said.

FBI / UPI / Profimedia

The suspect has become more politically-minded in recent years and has criticized Kirk

Charlie Kirk's slaying suspect, Tyler Robinson, spoke negatively about the victim before the shooting, a family member told investigators, Utah's governor said.

"Investigators interviewed a member of Robinson's family who stated that Robinson had become more politically inclined in recent years," Governor Cox said at a news conference.

"The suspect specifically mentioned Kirk during a family dinner," Cox added.

"In a conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned that Charlie Kirk was coming to Victoria University. They talked about why they didn't like him and the attitudes he had," the governor said.

Robinson said at the dinner that "Kirk was full of hate and he was spreading hate," according to a relative's testimony provided by Cox.

Messages on bullets

Cox revealed details of the unusual find which included a rifle and bullets with messages engraved on them.

He stated that on one of the fired shells it was written: Notices. Bulges. THIS. What's this?

He added that inscriptions were also found on unfired cartridges, and they contained the following messages:

• Hey fascist! Catch!
• O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
• If you read this, you're gay. LMAO.

 

Arrested 33 hours after the murder

Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal murder of Charlie Kirk, was taken into custody Thursday at 10 p.m. local time in Utah, FBI Director Kash Patel said.

"In less than 36 hours – 33 to be exact – thanks to the full force of the federal government and the leadership of our partners here in the state of Utah and Governor Cox, the suspect was apprehended in a historic amount of time," Patel said.

"The FBI has already evaluated the forensic evidence," according to Patel, checking over 11,000 leads as far as possible.

BOB STRONG / UPI / Profimedia

The police have three days to press charges.

FBI Chief: Rest now, bro. We keep watch and see you in Valhalla

FBI Director Kash Patel toured the crime scene.

He announced that the evidence will continue to be processed as it is collected: "We will continue to process the evidence as we see it and collect it."

He concluded his address with a personal message addressed to the murdered Charlie Kirk.

"Finally, to my friend Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We're keeping watch and we'll see you in Valhalla," Patel said, adding that the homicide investigation is continuing.