The Charlie Kirk Shooting: Timeline and Initial Investigation

The Shooting and Immediate Aftermath

On the morning of September 10, 2025, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson chose not to attend his electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. At 8:23 AM, he walked to his gray Dodge Challenger and later drove to Utah Valley University (UVU). Around 11:49 AM, he exited his car wearing different clothes, a cap, dark sunglasses, and was visibly limping toward the parking lot adjacent to the UVU campus. He ascended the parking lot stairs and headed to the low sea center, then disappeared from view.

Meanwhile, conservative speaker Charlie Kirk was hosting a debate event roughly 200 yards away. At exactly 12:23 PM, a single shot pierced the left side of Kirk’s throat, plunging the campus into chaos. Despite rapid medical attention, Kirk died about an hour later.

Key Individuals in the Aftermath

CCTV footage showed Tyler fleeing the scene, carrying a bag with his weapon. His escape was aided by two individuals who drew police attention immediately after the attack.

The first, George Zinn, falsely confessed to the shooting and was detained. Zinn has a long history of erratic behavior and legal troubles, including threats and hospital commitments. Despite his claims, no weapon was found on him, and he was not the shooter.

The second person, known only as David, was recorded chanting “USA” after the shot. He later claimed on Twitter that his actions were to distract security so they could escape. His social media posts suggest he suffers from delusions, possibly schizophrenia.

Weapon and Evidence

The shooter’s weapon was found nearby, a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope. The casing bore inscriptions with political and internet culture references, including phrases mocking transgender issues and anti-fascist songs, indicating a political motive.

Despite lifting fingerprints from the weapon, the shooter’s identity was not immediately known to the public.

Online Speculation and Social Media Activity

Following the shooting, several social media accounts posted ominous messages predicting or celebrating the event. One Twitter user named Omar tweeted the day before, “Charlie Kirk is coming to my college tomorrow. I really hope someone evaporates him.”

Another user, Sky Valadez, was linked to a band with songs referencing Charlie Kirk’s death. Although Sky denied involvement and condemned violence, suspicions lingered.

Identification and Arrest of Tyler Robinson

On the evening of September 11, 2025, images of the suspected shooter wearing a cap and dark glasses were released. Tyler Robinson’s friends initially joked about the possibility of him being involved, as he was known to be a quiet, intelligent gamer with a 4.0 GPA and little political engagement.

Tyler’s family was shocked when his father, Matt, saw the news and confronted him. Tyler confessed but expressed a desire to take his own life rather than surrender. His father contacted their local Mormon bishop, who advised turning Tyler in. Tyler was arrested later that night.

Motive and Evidence

The political nature of the crime was clear from the inscriptions on the bullet casings and Tyler’s own writings. A note recovered from Tyler stated, “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Tyler’s growing left-wing views and distancing from his family’s Mormon beliefs were noted as contributing factors.

Relationship with Lance Twigs

Tyler’s romantic relationship with Lance Twigs, a transgender roommate, was confirmed by neighbors who witnessed affectionate behavior. Lance cooperated with law enforcement but has since disappeared from the public eye.

Relatives described both Tyler and Lance as estranged from their families and politically left-leaning, with Lance being more outspoken and angry about conservative and Christian values.

Online Activity and Political Shift

Lance’s online presence, including TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit, showed a shift from apolitical to politically engaged, especially on trans rights and left-wing issues. Tyler was quieter online but also became more politically aware after moving in with Lance.

Suspicious Social Media and Broader Network

Several social media accounts posted threatening or celebratory messages related to the shooting before and after the event. The FBI announced investigations into over 20 people in Tyler’s Discord chats and possible connections to broader activist groups.