The man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk joked that his "doppelganger" was trying to "get [him] in trouble" after a pal messaged him to say the surveillance images released by police looked like him, according to a report.
A former high school classmate of Tyler Robinson messaged the 22-year-old saying "Wya," meaning "where you at?" accompanied by a skull emoji. Robinson replied within a minute, saying his "doppelganger" was trying "to get me in trouble," the New York Times reports. Later that day, his father also recognised the images and turned him in to police.
Robinson is now said to be on "special watch" in the Utah County Jail where he is currently being evaluated to determine if he is a risk to himself or others, CBS reports.
Kirk's heartbroken widow Erika delivered a tearful speech on FOX News on Friday. In it, she said she told her daughter "Daddy's on a work trip with Jesus" when the three-year-old rushed into her arms after Kirk was shot dead. She broke down in tears as she addressed President Trump. "My husband loved you," she sobbed, adding that she knew the former president reciprocated her husband's affection.
Memorial set for Charlie Kirk memorial
A memorial for Charlie Kirk will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, next Sunday.
Numerous Republican leaders and friends of Kirk will make speeches, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
A press release for the event said: "This service will be a unifying event focused on prayer, mourning, and celebrating the life, legacy, and memory of Charlie Kirk — a national treasure whose life was cut far too short."
Senator reflects on political violence after wife nearly killed in shooting
Democrat Senator for Arizona Mark Kelly reflected on the shooting of then-congresswoman Gabby Giffords, 14 years ago.
Speaking to NBC's Meet the Press, he said: "Well, I mean, it was 14 years ago that my wife was shot. You know, both sides of the political spectrum experience this kind of violence. Not too long ago, Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota, they were shot and killed.
"This isn't like one party committing all the violence against the other. I mean, this is clearly a pervasive issue in our country.
"We are more divided than we have been probably in my lifetime or yours. And if we don't collectively try to come together to fix it, you know, I think it can get worse. It can get a lot worse. I mean, there are people out there calling for civil war.
"I mean, even I think it's fair to say some of them are considered journalists out there, I mean online journalists. Some people might refer to them as trolls, but people that have huge followings."
Republican Senator calls for 'productive dialogue'
Republican Senator John Curtis, from Utah, told ABC host Martha Raddatz that "we need to have a little grace for those who are angry" over the death of Charlie Kirk.
He continued: "As they move past that anger, and they definitely need to move past it, we need to think about productive dialogue."
Robinson had 'very different ideology' than family, governor says
Utah's governor Spencer Cox claimed the Charlie Kirk shooting suspect, Tyler Robinson, had been 'radicalised'.
Cox said investigations revealed the suspect "does come from a conservative family – but his ideology was very different than his family".
Despite this, authorities have not shared a possible motive behind the shooting.
Cox added: "And … the why behind this … we're all drawing lots of conclusions on how someone like this could be radicalized. And I think that those are important questions for us to ask and important questions for us to answer."
Suspect 'not cooperating' with authorities, Governor says
Utah's Governor Spencer Cox has said the suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting, Tyler Robinson, is "not cooperating" with authorities.
Cox said: "But all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's very important."
Speaking with ABC News, he added that Robinson had not confessed to officials.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told @MarthaRaddatz on Sunday that the suspect in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk is not cooperating with authorities.
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 14, 2025
“But all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's very important.” https://t.co/XYwehbEggR pic.twitter.com/FZIdvK7oOo
Man seen cheering in crowd after Kirk's death claimed he was 'trying to save lives'
A man who was seen cheering when Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck has broken his silence.
Videos from the aftermath of Kirk's death showed most people in the 3,000 large crowd at the Utah Valley University ducking or running away, after a single bullet was fired at the conservative political activist, but a viral video caught a bearded man raising his arms and cheering.
The man, going by the name of David, has since broken his silence and said he was not celebrating the shooting, despite his viral reaction.
In a two-minute clip posted on X, David claimed to be the person in the viral video but denied he was cheering or celebrating Kirk's death. He had been in the crowd during Kirk's public debate, just metres away from the conservative activist when he was killed. David claimed his actions were not him cheering but were rather meant to help "save lives".
The man said: "I stood and shouted 'USA', not as a provocation, but to project strength, encourage others, encourage a distraction that might help calm panic or even save lives". He added: "I would never wish to celebrate harm to anyone."
Read the full story here.
NASCAR honours Charlie Kirk with tribute on big screen
NASCAR held a flyover while honouring Charlie Kirk on the Jumbotron before a Cup Series auto race in Bristol, Tennessee, on Saturday.
Robinson 'joked with pals about manhunt' and 'doppelganger'
Charlie Kirk's alleged killer allegedly joked about the huge manhunt that followed the shooting to friends online.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was detained on Thursday night after his dad told him to turn himself into the police after CCTV of the suspect was shared by the FBI. The alleged shooter, before he was arrested, supposedly joked online to pals on the Discord server about the grainy CCTV grab police shared of a man wearing sunglasses and a cap on the Utah Valley University campus after the shooting.
Robinson's friends laughed at similarities between their pal and the image - while unaware he was wanted by cops.
Full story: Robinson 'joked with pals about manhunt' and 'doppelganger'
Tyler Robinson's nan says entire family are Republicans
Suspected killer Tyler Robinson comes from a family full of Republicans, his grandma has claimed.
"I don’t know a single Democrat," she told the Daily Mail. She added there was no way her quiet and reserved grandson could have murdered Charlie Kirk. Debbie Robinson, 69, claimed she "never" heard Tyler Robinson discussing politics, despite his father's support for President Donald Trump - who Tyler dressed up as on Halloween in 2017.
"My son, his dad, is a Republican for Trump," Debbie said. "Most of my family members are Republican. I don't know any single one who's a Democrat. I'm just so confused."
Erika Kirk pledges to carry on her husband's work
Charlie Kirk's wife Erika has vowed to continue her husband's work through the right-wing movement he established.
In a speech to the public, she promised to make the conservative youth group Turning Point USA "the biggest thing this nation has ever seen." She added in a post on Instagram: "They have no idea what they just ignited within this wife. If they thought my husband’s mission was big now..you have no idea.
"You. All of you. Will never. Ever. Forget my husband @charliekirk1776 I’ll make sure of it."
Man who cheered after Kirk was shot dead claims he was 'trying to save lives'
A man who was seen cheering when Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck has broken his silence.
Videos from the aftermath of Kirk's death showed most people in the 3,000 large crowd at the Utah Valley University ducking or running away, after a single bullet was fired at the conservative political activist, but a viral video caught a bearded man raising his arms and cheering. The man, going by the name of David, has since broken his silence and said he was not celebrating the shooting, despite his viral reaction.
Full Story: Man who cheered after Kirk was shot dead claims he was 'trying to save lives'
In pictures: Trump supporters pay tribute to Charlie Kirk at Illinois rally
Suspect described as 'very smart' and reserved by peers
Jaida Funk, 22, who went to elementary and middle school with suspect Tyler Robinson said he was "very smart" but kept himself in his inner circle.
"He was always very sharp and very smart and the type of kid that liked school," she said. "I wouldn't say he was popular, but well known, and I say he was queit but not quiet in a weird way, just quiet enough that he kept himself in his inner circle, but he had the confidence to speak to any teacher, any adult, and the popular kids in the hallway."
Inside hellhole jail where Tyler Robinson could live
The Utah State Correctional Facility - plagued by scabies outbreaks, swarms of mosquitoes, drug smuggling and violent attacks - is the prison where Tyler Robinson may spend the rest of his life if convicted of murdering right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk.
Robinson, 22, was arrested on Thursday night after Kirk was gunned down at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem. He faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed the state will seek the death penalty, meaning Robinson could one day face execution in the prison's death chamber.
The $1 billion facility opened in 2022 with promises of modern design, better rehabilitation and improved medical care. Instead, it has become notorious for disease, pests, drugs and disorder. Earlier this year, 140 inmates were treated for scabies after a geriatric prisoner tested positive, forcing mass testing, disinfecting of dormitories and sterilisation of bedding and clothing.
Full story: Inside hellhole jail where suspect Tyler Robinson could live
Suspect joked his 'doppelganger' was trying to get him in trouble
Tyler Robinson joked on Discord that his "doppelganger" was trying to "get [him] in trouble" after a pal messaged him to say the surveillance images released by police looked like him, according to a report.
A former high school classmate messaged the 22-year-old saying "Wya," meaning "where you at?" accompanied by a skull emoji. Robinson replied within a minute, saying his "doppelganger" was trying "to get me in trouble," the New York Times reports. Later that day, his father also recognised him and turned him in to police.
Hundreds of bikers cruise down highway for Charlie Kirk
Hundreds of bikers rode through Surprise, Arizona, on Saturday morning in memory of Charlie Kirk. The motorcyclists circled the headquarters of Kirk's organisation, Turning Point USA, which he founded at 18-years-old in 2012.
Public memorial service to be held in stadium next week
The organisation founded by Charlie Kirk is due to hold a public memorial service on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona - which can hold more than 60,000 people.
Turning Point USA said in a statement: "Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend."
FBI demanded footage of suspect was released 'against all' police objections
FBI director Kash Patel claims his team "demanded" the video footage and images of suspect Tyler Robinson be released to the public, "against all" police objections. He appeared to take credit for the move which ultimately led to Robinson's father recognising and turning him in.
"Against all law enforcement recommendations, we demanded the video footage and enhanced stills of the suspect be released to the public," Patel posted to X Saturday. "Robinson's father, who ultimately turned him in to authorities, told law enforcement that he recognized his son in that released video."
Tyler Robinson on 'special watch' in Utah jail
Charlie Kirk's suspected killer Tyler Robinson is on "special watch" in the Utah County Jail where he is currently being evaluated to determine if he is a risk to himself or others, CBS reports.
The 22-year-old is due for his first court appearance on Tuesday. The motive for the shooting remains unclear at this stage.
Questions remain about alleged Kirk shooter
The background and politics of the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk have become the source of speculation online.
Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was apprehended after Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University.
No clear motive has been presented by police which has led to growing speculation online.
But in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, published on Saturday, Utah governor, Spencer Cox, said: "It’s very clear to us and to investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology."
Trump to attend Kirk's funeral
Donald Trump will attend Charlie Kirk's funeral next week.
Kirk's funeral will take place on Sunday, September 21, in Arizona.
The development was shared by far right activist Laura Loomer, who has a close working relationship with the president.
Charlie Kirk’s funeral will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Arizona.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 13, 2025
President Trump will be attending. pic.twitter.com/MSWwWkCMY6
Employers of Kirk critics urged to fire them
Many people have lost their jobs over posts shared online about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
There have been efforts by people online for employers to fire Kirk's critics.
A Reuters review of posts that were criticising Kirk included posts such as "he got what he deserved" and others said variations of "karma's a b****."
Trump wants 'revenge' at ballot box
Donald Trump said he would like to see "revenge" for Charlie Kirk to be manifested at the ballot box.
The president said on Fox and Friends that his supporters should express their anger by voting for Republicans at the ballot box.
Trump added: "They're vicious and they're horrible, and they're politically savvy."
Classes at university where Kirk was killed to start again next week
Classes at Utah Valley University will start again next week.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at the university. He had been speaking in the campus courtyard when he was shot.
Astrid Tuminez said a phased return would begin on Monday for employees, who will then support students from Tuesday.
Suspect described as 'quiet' from normal family
Neighbours of the Charlie Kirk assassination suspect have described him as "quiet" and from a normal family.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was said to have been from a typical family.
Robinson is set to be formally charged on Tuesday and is being held in custody without bail until then.
Suspect's pals reveal truth about his childhood
Flicking through his school yearbooks, classmates of suspected Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson tell how they believed he would be a “billionaire by the age of 25”.
Instead, they are today coming to terms with how three years before he reached such an achievement, he went from a talented scholarship winner to America’s most wanted. The boy who once grinned from school yearbooks, a bright-eyed lad from a respectable, hard-working Mormon home, now stares back at America from a grim mugshot – the hollow-eyed face of an accused political assassin. Now, if found guilty, he could even face the death penalty, after his anguished father turned him in to the police.
Neighbours and old friends in the conservative heartland of southern Utah have been left reeling, struggling to reconcile the smiling boy-next-door they knew with the man now branded a murderer.
Full story: Tyler Robinson pals reveal truth about suspect's childhood
Trump sparks outrage over comments on US political landscape
Donald Trump has sparked criticism after saying he "couldn't care less" about political division in the US following the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Asked by Fox & Friends host Ainsley Earhardt how the political landscape could be "fixed," Trump said: "I’ll tell you something that's going to get me in trouble, but I couldn't care less. The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they don't want to see crime... the radicals on the left are the problem."
Trump was immediately slammed on social media, where he was accused of failing to help calm the political tensions.
Inside Tyler Robinson's life as 'quiet' teen to 'assassin'
Tyler Robinson, the man suspected of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, came from what has been described as a 'very loving family', who saw him as a 'wonderful' man. A far cry from the image he holds today.
Two sources also told CNN that the man in custody confessed to his dad that he was the shooter. Yet, when it comes to his upbringing and family life, it seems like any other, with Robinson said to be 'from a very loving family'.
According to reports, his father, Matt Robinson, is a 27-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff's Department. His mother, Amber Robinson, reportedly worked as a care worker.
The accused gunman is said to live in a six-bedroom property worth $600,000 (£442,575) in Washington, Utah - roughly 260 miles south of where the shooting took place, the Daily Mail reports.
Suspect may face execution by firing squad - but it could take years
The suspected killer of Charlie Kirk could be executed by a firing squad - but the legal process is likely to go on for a number of years, lawyers say.
While Utah is one of the states that allows the use of a firing squad, the decision could be delayed by legal arguments and challenges. Donald Trump previously called for "quick trials" after both Kirk and Ukranian refugee Iryna Zarutska were murdered.
Charlie Kirk's movement is 'not going anywhere'
Charlie Kirk's wife Erika Kirk has called on high school and college students to join their local chapter of Turning Point USA - the non-profit organisation founded by her husband. "The movement is not going anywhere," she said.
A statement posted to the company's website after Kirk's death reads: "Charlie Kirk poured his life into building a movement rooted in faith, freedom, and love of country. He believed America’s future depended on raising up a generation who would NEVER SURRENDER.
"Now the responsibility is ours. We will honor his legacy by pressing forward - not slowing down, not surrendering. We will make Charlie proud. We will defend America’s future. And we will not stop until freedom prevails."