Charlie Kirk Gunned Down by Radicalized Youth – FBI Reveals Motive as ‘Spreading Hate

By- andrew rose

Orem, Utah – September 13, 2025

– In a chilling escalation of America’s deepening political divide, conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday. The brazen attack, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting President Donald Trump to lower flags to half-staff and decry a “dark moment for America.” The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington, Utah, was arrested Friday after a 33-hour manhunt, with the FBI unveiling a disturbing motive tied to Kirk’s alleged “hate speech.”

Kirk, a prominent ally of Trump and a key architect of the GOP’s youth mobilization efforts, was addressing a crowd of about 3,000 under a tent in UVU’s outdoor courtyard as part of his “American Comeback” tour. The event, the first stop on a 15-campus itinerary, kicked off at noon local time with Kirk seated and fielding questions on topics like immigration and cultural issues. Graphic videos circulating on social media captured the moment: a single gunshot rang out from a distant rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck. He collapsed instantly, and chaos erupted as attendees fled in panic. Emergency responders rushed him to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.

The rifle—a high-powered Mauser—wrapped in a towel was recovered along the suspect’s escape route. An unfired bullet found nearby bore a taunting message: “Hey, fascist, catch!” Surveillance footage released by the FBI showed a “college-age” figure in dark clothing fleeing the scene, blending into the student population. Over 7,000 tips flooded authorities, but it was Robinson’s own family who ultimately led to his capture. According to a probable cause affidavit, a family member alerted a friend, who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after Robinson confessed or implied his involvement.

His father, a 27-year veteran of the local police force, recognized him from the photos and confronted him, urging surrender. Robinson reportedly replied, “I would rather kill myself than turn myself in,” before being detained until officers arrived.

The FBI’s investigation revealed Robinson’s motive stemmed from deep-seated resentment toward Kirk. Just a day before the shooting, during a family dinner on September 9, Robinson ranted about Kirk’s upcoming UVU visit, telling relatives he “disliked Kirk because he spread hate.” Utah Governor Cox recounted the conversation: “The family member referenced a recent incident… Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU… [and] stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.” While officials have not declared a definitive motive, this remark offers the first insight into Robinson’s mindset. Discord messages from Robinson to his roommate further linked him to the crime, discussing engravings on the rifle and retrieving it from a “drop point,” wrapped in a towel—matching the evidence found.

Robinson, registered to vote but unaffiliated with any party and listed as “inactive” (suggesting he skipped the 2024 election), had no prior criminal record. Neighbors described him as “very considerate,” from a “good, down-to-earth” family that enjoyed hunting and ATVs but wasn’t particularly political or religious.

Raised in a Mormon household, Robinson’s path took a dark turn after entering university, where he became “more political” in recent years, according to family.

Social media sleuths unearthed photos of him wearing a shirt from the Salt Lake Democratic Socialists of America, fueling speculation of leftist radicalization. More alarmingly, unearthed footage from exactly one year prior shows Robinson debating Kirk at another event, where he aggressively interrupted with a megaphone, shouting “fascist” slurs and dodging questions on immigration—foreshadowing the grudge that ended in murder.

Kirk’s death adds to a grim tally of political violence plaguing the U.S. It follows the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, two 2024 assassination attempts on Trump, the June 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators, and the April 2025 arson on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s home.

Trump, who credited Kirk with galvanizing young voters, called him a “great guy from top to bottom” and a “martyr for truth and freedom,” blaming “radical left rhetoric” for the bloodshed.

In a Truth Social post, he linked it to his own near-miss in Butler, Pennsylvania. Conservative voices like Fox News’ Jesse Watters echoed the sentiment: “They are at war with us,” vowing to “avenge” Kirk’s death through political pressure.

Who was Charlie Kirk? Born October 14, 1993, in Arlington Heights, Illinois, to a mental health counselor mother and architect father, Kirk dropped out of community college to co-found Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18. The nonprofit ballooned into a $79 million powerhouse, active on thousands of campuses, promoting conservative values on race, culture, and free speech. His provocative style—denying climate change, opposing abortion, and pushing 2020 election fraud claims—made him polarizing yet influential among Gen Z conservatives. Kirk hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show,” authored bestsellers, and even debated California Governor Gavin Newsom on a podcast. Married to Erika Kirk, he leaves behind a young family mourning a “beacon of open debate.”

UVU canceled classes through the weekend, reopening Monday, as investigators probe for accomplices. A video of a “man on phone” post-shooting has sparked questions about help, and police are tracing the rifle’s origins via Discord leads.

Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, with a court appearance set for Tuesday.

The tragedy has ignited fierce recriminations. Conservatives like Laura Loomer demand retribution against those “celebrating” Kirk’s death, while a site “Expose Charlie’s Murderers” crowdsources links to alleged celebrants.

Progressive streamer Hasan Piker called it a “terrifying incident,” warning of vengeful backlash. Even internationally, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former UK PM Boris Johnson mourned Kirk as a free speech advocate. The State Department urged informants to report immigrants “praising” the killing, reviewing their legal status.

As vigils swell outside UVU—with flowers piling at the Keller Building—Kirk’s casket was flown to Phoenix on Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.

Turning Point USA urged prayers for the family, vowing to continue his mission. In a nation reeling from violence, Kirk’s assassination underscores the perils of polarization: a young man’s indoctrinated rage silencing a voice that shaped a generation. Will this be the catalyst for de-escalation, or fuel further division? America holds its breath.