Report: Charlie Kirk assassination suspect allegedly threatened suicide when father confronted him

Alleged Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson threatened to take his own life rather than surrender to authorities when confronted by his father, the New York Post reported Friday.

Authorities say Robinson fatally shot Kirk while the Turning Point USA founder spoke to students at an event at Utah Valley University. Robinson’s father confronted his 22-year-old son after recognizing him in photos of the suspect released by authorities, law enforcement sources told the New York Post.

Robinson allegedly told his father that he would rather commit suicide than turn himself in, according to the outlet. His father then persuaded him to speak with their youth pastor, who also worked with the U.S. Marshals fugitive task forces. The pastor notified a deputy with the federal agency, and Robinson was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday evening, sources told the outlet.

MUGSHOTS RELEASED: Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah.

Robinson is currently in police custody. pic.twitter.com/JJ9b9zocPq

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 12, 2025

Phrases such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this you are gay LMAO” were scrawled on the bullet casings from the assassin’s rifle, Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said during a press conference Friday morning. Investigators also found the phrase “bella ciao,” Cox said, the title of an Italian song that became a left-wing anthem during World War II, according to George Mason University.

A family member told authorities that Robinson had “become more political in recent years” and was “full of hate,” Cox also said.

The 31-year-old conservative activist was shot in the neck while sitting under a tent speaking to a crowd of around 3,000 students during an outdoor event.

Kirk’s casket was flown to Phoenix on Thursday aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by his family, friends, Vice President JD Vance and the Second Lady. President Donald Trump also announced Thursday that Kirk, who was the president’s close friend and ally, would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, their three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.

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