The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk may have practiced the attack just hours before pulling the trigger.
A new surveillance footage shows 22-year-old Tyler Robinson walking toward Utah Valley University early Wednesday morning in what investigators believe may have been a dry run. Hours later, he returned along the same path before firing the single shot that killed Charlie Kirk.
New video shows Charlie Kirk suspect Tyler Robinson casing campus hours before assassination https://t.co/EVwuD15r6C pic.twitter.com/7iBONfM1DZ
— New York Post (@nypost) September 15, 2025
Robinson was filmed around 8 a.m. in a maroon shirt, black cap, light shorts, and sneakers. Police later said it was the same outfit he wore during the murder. He returned just before noon, this time heading straight toward the campus. At 11:49 a.m. he was seen again. 30 minutes later, Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to students.
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The killing of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative firebrand and close ally of Donald Trump, shook the country. He was a father of 2 and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that helped spread conservative ideas among young people. Kirk was known for his fiery speeches, his viral debate clips on social media, and his loyalty to Trump. His death was a moment that stunned both supporters and critics.
After the shooting, police launched a 33-hour manhunt. The search ended late Thursday night when Robinson was arrested. His own father played a role, after recognizing him in FBI surveillance photos and confronting him. That tip led to his capture at 10 p.m.
Robinson is now in jail in Utah. He faces aggravated murder charges and could be sentenced to death. Utah is one of the few states where execution by firing squad is still legal.
Details of Robinson’s life are beginning to emerge. He grew up in St. George, a conservative city 4 hours south of Orem. He was in the third year of an electrician apprenticeship. Old photos showed him posing with guns and even wearing a Halloween costume that made it look like he was riding on Trump’s shoulders.
But investigators say Robinson had drifted into darker spaces online. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson was radicalized in a short time. He lived with a transgender partner who has not been linked to the crime and is cooperating with police.
The rifle believed to have been used in the murder was found near the campus. Bullet casings carried strange and disturbing messages. One read “Hey, fascist! Catch!” Another said “Bella Ciao,” a song tied to anti-fascist movements. Others were marked with phrases and symbols from online gaming culture.
DNA tied Robinson to the weapon and also to a screwdriver found on the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired. Investigators also uncovered a note he had written, where he said he had a chance to take out Kirk and was going to do it.
For now, Robinson is refusing to talk to investigators. His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
Featured image via X screengrab
