President Trump emphasized the importance of responding peacefully, noting, "He [Kirk] was an advocate of non-violence. That's the way I'd like to see people respond."
[Charisma Media] Authorities have identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect arrested in the assassination of conservative and Christian leader Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this week. (Screengrab image: via CBN News)
President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest during a Fox & Friends appearance, saying, "With a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody" Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job, you know, getting somebody that you start off with absolutely nothing."
Trump continued, "Somebody that was very close to him said, ‘Hmm that's him,' and essentially went to the father and went to a US Marshal" and the person was involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith, a minister, and brought him to a US Marshal, who is fantastic."
Rifle and Bullet Messages
At a Friday morning press conference, state and federal investigators revealed they recovered a rifle wrapped in a dark towel in a wooded area. Engraved messages were found on several of the bullet casings.
Joel Berry, managing editor of The Babylon Bee, shared explanations of the messages on X, noting the mix of Antifa slogans, far-left anthems, gaming references and fringe internet memes.
The inscriptions included: [The following are descriptions, to see what was actually written, Click Here]
– a taunt aimed at conservatives, reflecting Antifa-style rhetoric.
– lyrics from an Italian anti-fascist anthem often sung at communist and far-left protests.
– a mocking insult meant to ridicule whoever picked up the casing.
– a meme from transgender and furry internet culture, typically used in a sexualized or mocking way.
– the call-down code for the 500kg bomb in the video game Helldivers 2, a reference to dropping heavy ordnance in battle.
Governor and Law Enforcement Statements
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday, "There is one person responsible for what happened here, and that person is now in custody and will be charged soon and will be held accountable." He added that Robinson's communications referenced retrieving a rifle from a drop point and confirmed investigators believe he changed clothing during his escape.
Authorities also released new video showing Robinson's alleged escape route as he jumped from a rooftop and moved across a parking lot after firing the fatal shot.
Calls for Calm
President Trump emphasized the importance of responding peacefully, noting, "He [Kirk] was an advocate of non-violence. That's the way I'd like to see people respond."
Counterterrorism expert John Cohen told CBN News the tragedy underscores the nation's political divide. "We are a very divided nation, and it's not just that people tend to disagree with each other, but they are increasingly viewing those that disagree with them, or that they disagree with, as the enemy. We are seeing an increase in the number of individuals who are willing to use violence as a way to express their political ideological views or to express their sense of grievance" The solution to this problem is bringing back civility, and in a sense, more of a calm nature to our public discourse."
Authorities have also warned the public about misinformation being spread online, with foreign actors attempting to incite further division.
This story is still developing, with charges against Robinson expected soon.
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