Shooting suspect 'thought Kirk was spreading hate'

The suspect in the assassination of Maga influencer and Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk was identified yesterday as Tyler Robinson, after he was taken into custody following a tip-off from his own father.

- RHIAN LUBIN RACHEL DOBKIN ISABEL KEANE ANDREA CAVALLIER

“We got him,” Utah governor Spencer Cox told a news conference announcing the arrest of the 22-year-old on suspicion of capital murder.

Mr Kirk, 31, the co-founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck during an outdoor speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Mr Cox said Mr Robinson confessed to a family member who reached out to a friend on Thursday night, who then contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. A law enforcement source told Associated Press that Mr Robinson’s father, who is a deputy with the sheriff’s office, had recognised him from CCTV images and worked with a pastor to encourage his surrender.

It brought an end to the 33-hour manhunt, FBI director Kash Patel said.

The arrest was first revealed by Mr Trump during an interview on Fox News. “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” said the president, expressing “hope” that the suspect receives the death sentence if convicted.

Mr Robinson is said to be listed as politically “unaffiliated,” although both his parents are believed to be Republicans. Mr Cox said the suspect arrived on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday at 8.29am in a grey Dodge Challenger just under three hours before Mr Kirk was shot.

“He was living, and had lived for a long time, with his family in Washington County,” Mr Cox said.

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