Charlie Kirk Shooting: Shooter Arrested, Cops Refute ‘Trans Ideology’ on Bullets Claim

22-year-old Tyler James Robinson of Washington County in Utah, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

“We got him,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox said in a press conference on 12 September.

Robinson was identified after federal law enforcement released surveillance photos; his father reportedly recognised him from those images. After Robinson allegedly confessed or implied his involvement, he arranged for him to be turned in with the assistance of a youth pastor.

Authorities say the youth pastor made the contact with law enforcement, enabling Robinson’s peaceful arrest.

Robinson was arrested approximately 33 hours after the shooting, with law enforcement crediting the combined roles of the FBI’s photo release, family recognition, and the cooperation of Robinson’s family and youth pastor for bringing the manhunt to a close.

Bullets did not have ‘trans ideology’ engravings, say authorities

During the press conference, Governor Cox, together with law enforcement representatives, addressed claims that bullets recovered from the scene carried engravings referencing “transgender ideology”.

“I know there has been speculation as well as to the writing on those casings, those bullet casings. And I believe we have that as well. And I will share that with you now,” Cox said.

He then detailed a series of engravings that were found on the bullets. One fired casing included the words: “notices bulge, OwO, what’s this?”, a heavily used phrase online which has cemented itself in meme culture. Another read: “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by an up arrow, right arrow, and three down arrows — referencing a combo from video game Helldivers 2.

A third contained lyrics from the Italian anti-fascist folk song Bella Ciao.

Another stated: “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.”

I’m sorry did I just watch the governor of Utah say “owo notices your bulge what’s this” on national television in addition to “if you’re reading this, you’re gay” 😭 pic.twitter.com/Jddz4TVzZV

— Hua Choke Me (@nuttinonice) September 12, 2025

Some reports state that the headstamp on the ammunition, reading ‘TRN’, is allegedly what authorities mistook for “transgender ideology” messages.

What’s known so far about the Charlie Kirk shooting

The shooting occurred on 10 September 2025 during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking to a group of students under a large outdoor tent.

He was addressing audience questions about gun violence when a single gunshot rang out, striking him in the neck. He died at the scene before paramedics could intervene.

Investigators recovered a bolt-action Mauser rifle chambered in .30-06 calibre. The firearm was discovered wrapped in a towel and abandoned in a wooded area not far from the campus. Alongside it, both a spent and unfired bullet casings were collected.

Prosecutors confirmed Robinson is facing charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice. Robinson is currently being held in Utah County Jail.

Conservative politicians, including President Donald Trump, have said they will push for the death penalty.

Authorities are continuing to piece together Robinson’s motive. They have pointed to digital communications, including Discord messages in which Robinson allegedly discussed retrieving and later disposing of the weapon, as well as comments expressing disdain toward Kirk.

While investigators believe Robinson acted alone, they are still examining his recent behaviour and possible ideological influences, with one family member telling media that almost all the family were Trump/MAGA supporters and/or registered Republicans, but Tyler had become “more political” in recent years.

In the time since Kirk’s death, authorities have begun punishing public service workers who have expressed negative opinions about Kirk online. This includes one Secret Service agent, who was allegedly placed on leave and had his security clearance revoked after writing on social media that Kirk “spewed hate and racism on his show”.