The investigation into conservative pundit Charlie Kirk’s murder in September 2025 is ongoing, with the trial against alleged killer Tyler Robinson beginning in 2028.
Kirk, who was 31, was shot and killed while speaking at an event at the university. Video shared on social media showed a bullet appear to strike the Turning Point USA founder in the neck as he was answering a question from the crowd related to gun violence. The father-of-two was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly after.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” read a statement from Turning Point, released on the evening of his death.
Who Was Charlie Kirk? Meet the Late Turning Point USA Founder
A judge ruled in November 2026 that the trial for Kirk’s death would commence in June 2028, despite his family’s pleas for it to begin sooner.
Scroll down for everything to know about Kirk’s death and murder investigation:
How Did Charlie Kirk Die?
Kirk was speaking at an event on his American Comeback Tour on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when a gunman fired a single shot that appeared to strike him in the neck as he sat under a tent emblazoned with the words, “Prove Me Wrong.”
The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. local time on September 10, 2025, from approximately 200 yards away, and video shared on social media showed witnesses immediately rushing to his aid. He was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Charlie Kirk’s Wife Erika Frantzve Shared Bible Verse Hours Before His Death
Who Did the Police Take Into Custody at the Scene?
Authorities took a man named George Zinn into custody in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Photos and video shared on social media of Zinn being restrained by police led many to believe he was the shooter.
However, police soon determined he was not involved in the shooting and he was being taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice. He was later released.
FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox both said later in the day that another man was in custody, but two hours later, Patel, 45, said the subject was “released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner Beau Mason urged the public not to harass the two individuals who have been released.
“These individuals were not suspects. They were people of interest,” he said on September 11, 2025. “They don’t deserve that harassment.”
How Has Utah Valley University Responded to the Shooting?
Within minutes of the shooting, Utah Valley cancelled classes for the rest of the day. It suspended classes and on-campus activities, both in Orem and on satellite campuses, through September 15, 2025.
University leadership also told students and faculty in an open letter posted on September 10, 2025, that information would be forthcoming about additional mental health resources for those impacted by the shooting.
Who Was Political Commentator Charlie Kirk’s Wife? Meet Erika Frantzve
The FBI Released 2 Photos of the Suspect
The FBI released two images of the suspected shooter via social media on September 11, 2025, asking the public for help identifying him. The photos showed a man wearing a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag on it, along with a black cap and sunglasses.
Are Authorities Still Looking for the Shooter?
Law enforcement announced on September 12, 2025, that it had apprehended then-22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom they suspected to be the shooter.
Robinson’s arrest came the morning after the FBI released photos and video of the suspect, asking the public to help identify him. They added in a press conference on September 11 that the alleged gunman is “male” and “appears to be of college age.”
Mason said that investigators have video of the suspect, who arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. They were able to track his movements to a roof, then recovered video of him jumping off and fleeing after the shooting. Police found and are analyzing a footwear impression, palm print and forearm print that may have been left by the shooter.
How Was Suspected Shooter Tyler Robinson Captured?
President Donald Trump shared during a Fox News appearance on September 12, 2025, that the shooter had been taken into custody after someone “very close to him turned him in.”
Cox said in a press conference that a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend. That friend told the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that “Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
FBI director Kash Patel said Robinson was arrested around 10 p.m. local time on the night of September 11, 2025.
What Do We Know About Tyler Robinson?
Robinson is a native of Washington, Utah, who earned a scholarship to Utah State University before dropping out after one semester, according to CNN. He is registered to vote but not affiliated with any political party and is listed as an “inactive” voter.
Cox said that Robinson had brought up the Utah Valley event where Kirk was killed and “they talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had.”
“The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate,” he added.
The Gun Allegedly Used in the Murder Has Been Recovered
FBI special agent Robert Bohls revealed on September 11, 2025, that police had recovered a “high-powered, bolt action rifle” from the woods where the suspect fled. They believe this was the gun used in the shooting, and Bohls said the FBI will analyze the weapon.
Charlie Kirk’s Final Words Included Debate on Gun Violence
President Trump Plans to Award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Trump announced on September 11, 2025, that he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award has been given by presidents to American citizens since 1945, honoring those who have made an “especially meritorious contribution” to the nation, according to the executive order that created the medal.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
When Will Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Be Held?
Turning Point USA announced on September 13, 2025, that it would hold a memorial — which will be called “Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk” — on September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Fox News reported that President Trump was planning to attend the event.
“His legacy will endure for generations,” Turning Point USA said in a statement. “And now he hears the words of Matthew 25:23 from his Lord and Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Charlie is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk (née Frantzve), and their two young children.
Suspect Charged on Seven Counts
On September 16, 2025, Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.
The suspect was being held at the Utah County Jail without bail and had his first court appearance on September 16, 2025.
‘No Evidence’ Found Between Shooting and Left-Wing Groups
NBC News reported on September 20, 2025, that investigators have yet to find a link between the alleged shooter and left-wing groups, despite claims made by the president and other prominent Republican politicians.
“Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive,” a source familiar with the investigation said.
Two other sources also said that they think it will be hard to charge the suspect at a federal level since he was a Utah resident, where Charlie was shot, and since Charlie was not a federal officer or elected official.
A Justice Department spokesperson said, “The investigation is ongoing and beyond that we decline to comment.”
Erika Kirk’s Thoughts on Shooter
In an interview with the New York Times published on September 21, 2025, Erika shared what she wants to happen to the man suspected of fatally shooting her husband.
“I’m a strong believer that this was God’s plan,” she said when asked about Charlie’s death. “And it’s so clear-cut. It couldn’t be more Charlie.”
Erika added, “I’ve had so many people ask, ‘Do you feel anger toward this man? Like, do you want to seek the death penalty?’ I’ll be honest. I told our lawyer, I want the government to decide this. I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘Uh, eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?”
Tyler Robinson Appears in Court for the 1st Time
Robinson made his first in-court appearance in December 2025. He was seemingly calm and even smiled as he sat in the courtroom with his legal team. His parents and brother were present for the hearing, as well.
Media coverage of Robinson’s trial was discussed, as Charlie’s murder case has garnered national attention.
“We don’t want the chaos that is out in the media in this courtroom,” defense attorney Staci Visser said at the time. “So whatever this court can do to prevent that, that’s what we’re asking.”
Erika Kirk Accuses Charlie Kirk’s Accused Killer of Attempting to Delay Trial
An attorney for Erika filed a request for a speedy trial in the case against Robinson in January 2026.
“Nobody believed in the importance of the United States Constitution more than Charlie Kirk,” attorney Jeffrey Neiman wrote in the filing. “And although the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants many rights, it does not guarantee them the right to cause undue delay.”
The paperwork also pointed out that Utah Code gives victims of a crime “the right to a speedy disposition of the charges free from unwarranted delay caused by or at the behest of the defendant.”
“This court is tasked with the critically important function of ensuring the Defendant has a fair trial, but this Court must also do so while balancing Mrs. Kirk’s right to a speedy trial,” Neiman continued.
Preliminary Hearing Held for Tyler Robinson
A preliminary hearing was held from July 6 to July 10, 2026, where the prosecution and defense presented evidence, including DNA testing and video footage, to a judge to determine whether Robinson’s case will proceed to trial. During the hearing, Neiman argued that video evidence should be made public.
“The Kirk family believes strongly that if the evidence is being admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see,” he said. “To not be transparent here, to not be open, to not let the world see what happened, will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system.”
Robinson’s defense lawyer has fought to prevent the publication of an interview with the accused’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, arguing that prosecutors would attempt to portray Twiggs’ statements as a confession from Robinson, which could hinder his right to a fair trial.
The judge ruled that most of the interview would be made public, while two portions would be withheld from the courtroom and broadcast audience.
Tyler Robinson Due Back in Court in September 2026
After both sides finished presenting evidence, the judge adjourned the preliminary hearing, stating that Robinson was due back in court on September 1, 2026, at which time the prosecution and defense would present their final arguments and the judge would decide whether the case will proceed to trial.
Following the hearing’s conclusion, Erika’s attorney filed a request for the court to “promptly enter its probable cause determination based on the overwhelming evidence presented during the five-day preliminary hearing,” according to court paperwork obtained by Us.
Charlie’s family also issued a public statement.
“The conclusion of the preliminary hearing marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie,” the statement read. “Our family is grateful for the prayers, support, and kindness that has been extended to us, especially through these unimaginably painful and emotionally demanding proceedings.”
The family continued, “As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day.”
The statement concluded, “Nothing will ever undo the loss of our beloved Charlie. As this case moves into its next phase, we pray that truth will continue to be heard through a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in the facts.”
Judge Rules Tyler Robinson’s Case Will Go to Trial
Robinson appeared in court again on September 1, 2026, where the prosecution and defense gave their closing arguments before the judge ultimately ruled that the case would proceed to trial.
In a statement to Us, Charlie’s family said the decision was “an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him.”
“Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father,” they said. “We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us and stand with us through a year of unimaginable grief.”
The statement continued, “As the next phase of the judicial process begins, our family remains united in our love for Charlie, our commitment to the pursuit of justice and our prayer for a transparent and timely process.”
Prosecutors argued during the hearing that Robinson’s decision to fire a high-powered rifle toward a crowded courtyard endangered thousands of people and warranted an aggravated murder charge with the death penalty.
Meanwhile, the defense argued that shooting a single bullet did not establish a greater risk to bystanders or prove a calculated political motive.
Robinson entered a not guilty plea before the judge made his decision.
Charlie Kirk’s Family Reacts to Tyler Robinson’s Trial Being ‘Delayed’ to 2028
Has a Trial Date Been Set for Charlie Kirk’s Murder?
The judge ruled in November 2026 that jury selection for Robinson’s case will begin on June 21, 2028, setting aside 105 days for the trial.
“Here the schedule must give counsel time to review missing records, consult experts and assess meaningful leads before making those choices for capital mitigation,” Judge Graf said during the hearing. “Given Mr. Robinson’s current status, unnecessary delay remains a serious concern.”
Charlie’s family issued their own statement, voicing their disappointment with the ruling. (Erika previously pushed for the trial to begin in October 2027.)
“Today’s decision to delay the trial of the man accused of murdering our beloved Charlie until at least June 2028, is deeply disappointing,” the late activist’s family told Us in a statement on November 9, 2026. “While nothing will restore the time we have lost with Charlie, every additional day without justice prolongs our family’s pain and forces us to wait even longer for accountability.”
The statement concluded, “As we continue down this difficult road, we remain deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support that have sustained our family through these painful months.”
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