The 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk remains uncooperative with investigators and has not confessed, Utah Governor Spencer Cox says, as authorities continue probing the motive behind the politically charged killing that has gripped the nation.

Tyler Robinson, a Utah native, was arrested Thursday evening after a 33-hour manhunt, surrendering to police following tips from family and friends. He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice, and is being held without bail at Utah County Jail. Formal charges are set to be filed Tuesday, with Robinson's first court appearance scheduled for the same day at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.

Cox, appearing on ABC's "This Week" and CNN's "State of the Union," emphasized that while Robinson is not aiding the probe, those close to him – including his roommate and partner – have been fully cooperative. The governor described the partner as "transitioning from male to female," but added that investigators have not yet determined its relevance to the case.

Kirk, 31, was killed Wednesday, September 10, 2025, during an open-air event at Utah Valley University as part of Turning Point USA's "American Comeback Tour." The co-founder of the conservative youth organization was fielding questions from a crowd of about 3,000 when a single shot struck him in the neck around 12:20 p.m. local time. Video footage captured the moment: Kirk was debating gun violence and mass shootings, responding to an audience member's query about transgender individuals involved in such incidents, when the gunfire rang out.

The shot originated from the rooftop of the nearby Losee Center building, roughly 130 meters away, according to authorities. Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by first responders.

The FBI, alongside local and state law enforcement, released surveillance images and video of the suspect fleeing – showing a figure in dark clothing, including a black long-sleeved shirt with an American flag and eagle emblem, sunglasses, and Converse shoes – jumping from the roof and dashing into a wooded area. A rifle was later recovered there. The agency offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, which was claimed after a family member recognized Robinson from the photos and alerted authorities.

Robinson, a local college student from Washington, Utah – about 260 miles south of Orem – had no prior criminal record, but friends and family told investigators he had grown "more political" in recent years, veering toward leftist views and spending significant time in online "dark corners."

In the wake of the tragedy, Cox – a Republican known for promoting civil discourse – has urged unity, calling the shooting a "direct assault on America" and social media a "cancer" fueling division. He advocated removing phones from classrooms and holding platforms accountable, warning that unchecked hostility could lead to worse outcomes. "We have to look in the mirror," Cox said, echoing Kirk's calls for peaceful debate. 

As the investigation unfolds, Cox stressed the need for facts over speculation, noting Utahns' response – vigils and community gatherings – as a model of restraint. "Choose a different path," he implored young people, invoking Kirk's emphasis on dialogue over division.