Charlie Kirk’s Killer Tyler Robinson Was a Radical Leftist, Wrote “Hey Fascist, Catch” on a Bullet

The young man who allegedly assassinated a beloved pro-life conservative activist was himself a radical leftist who self-identified as Antifa.

The 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting pro-life conservative activist Charlie Kirk had scrawled “Hey fascist, catch” on a bullet casing recovered from the scene, law enforcement officials said Friday.

The initial details about the shooter are painting the suspect as a radicalized leftist who turned against his staunchly Republican family.

Tyler Robinson, of suburban Salt Lake City, was taken into custody early Friday morning after his father, a retired sheriff’s deputy with 27 years of service, detained him at the family home and alerted authorities.

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Utah Governor Spencer Cox says one of Tyler Robinson’s bullets said, “Hey fascist, catch.” Another had “Bella Ciao,” the name of a radical leftist song.

Robinson faces first-degree murder charges in the slaying of Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was gunned down Wednesday afternoon outside a rally in Utah, during a high-profile speaking tour.

FBI agents revealed during a midday press conference that forensic analysis of the single spent casing from Robinson’s .308 rifle — the weapon used in the precision shot that struck Kirk in the neck from over 200 yards away — bore the handwritten inscription in black marker.

This message, along with others on additional casings found in the suspect’s possession, suggests a deeply personal and ideologically driven motive.

Reports indicate he was apprehended in southern Utah at 11 pm last night after his father and a minister revealed his identity and location to authorities.

According to the Daily Mail, Robinson reportedly confessed killing Kirk to his father, who is a 27-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Robinson reportedly arrived at a building near the campus to shoot Kirk as he spoke to college students and  climbed a stairwell to the rooftop to have access to take the deadly shot. Authorities found a high-powered rifle from the shooting in a wooded area that they believe belongs to Robinson.

Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while sitting under a tent, ironically debating about mass shootings.

Earlier today, President Donald Trump said authorities detained a person of interest in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent pro-life conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA.

In an appearance on Fox News just now, President Trump stated “with a high degree of certainty” that the detained individual is the killer. He added that somebody “very close” to the suspect had turned him in as of Friday morning.

“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody. Everybody did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on social media that the “subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.”

This assassination is part of a broader context of political violence against conservative Christians in the U.S., including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, highlighting ongoing concerns.

President Trump blamed “radical left” rhetoric for Kirk’s assassination in a White House video statement, calling for an end to “demonizing” opponents. The event has sparked discussions on the safety of public figures and the political climate, with Trump describing Kirk as a “patriot” whose legacy will endure.

Yesterday, Trump announced he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Kirk.

“I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said during an event today memorializing 9/11.

“In honor of Charlie Kirk, we are going to give him the highest civilian award that you can give in this country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, because he deserves it,” Trump added.

The announcement highlights Kirk’s role as a “warrior for free speech” and his influence in mobilizing young conservatives, particularly on issues like protecting unborn life.

Trump praised Kirk’s legacy: “Charlie was a true patriot. He spoke for millions, he fought for the truth, and he never backed down.” Trump emphasized Kirk’s efforts in advancing conservative values, including his outspoken opposition to abortion, which resonated with pro-life supporters nationwide.

Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor event dubbed the “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, around 12:10 p.m. MDT, according to campus officials. Videos circulating on social media captured the moment a single shot rang out, showing Kirk recoiling and bleeding heavily from his neck as panicked spectators fled.

Kirk’s work with Turning Point USA included organizing rallies and campaigns that championed pro-life policies, often urging young people to advocate for the sanctity of life. His organization’s events frequently featured pro-life speakers and initiatives aimed at defunding abortion companies like Planned Parenthood.

His appearance at Utah Valley University was the first stop on a 14-city tour. The university defended his right to speak, citing First Amendment protections.

The attack, which occurred during a campus event, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over leftist violence in the United States.