The "Kirk shooter" refers to Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a prominent American right-wing conservative political activist, co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, and a close ally of Donald Trump. He was shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at a public event on the Utah Valley University campus. The shooting occurred during a Turning Point USA event called "The American Comeback Tour," and Kirk was pronounced dead later that day at the age of 31. Tyler Robinson, aged 22, was identified as the suspect and arrested after a 33-hour manhunt. His father recognized him in photos released by authorities, and this led to Robinson's eventual surrender. Authorities found a Mauser-action rifle near the scene of the shooting, described as an older model bolt action rifle wrapped in a towel. Before the shooting, Robinson had communicated with his roommate via Discord about retrieving the rifle and leaving it concealed prior to the attack. Kirk’s shooting gained extensive attention and elicited widespread condemnation of political violence, with reactions from prominent US political figures of both parties and international leaders. The incident also intensified political debates around gun control and political rhetoric in the US. In summary:
- The shooter is Tyler James Robinson.
- Robinson was apprehended after a manhunt and recognized by his father.
- The firearm used was a Mauser bolt action rifle.
- The shooting took place publicly during a political event at Utah Valley University.
- Charlie Kirk was a significant conservative figure and ally of Donald Trump.
- The event triggered a broad response concerning political violence and gun issues.
