FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly defied strong internal opposition to publicly release video footage of the Charlie Kirk assassination suspect, Tyler Robinson—footage that ultimately led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
Despite law enforcement advising against it, Patel pushed for the release of security footage and enhanced still images of the shooter captured during the attack at Utah Valley University. Shortly after the footage was made public, Robinson’s own father recognized him and alerted authorities. The tip enabled law enforcement to locate and detain the 22-year-old suspect on Thursday night.
Robinson was persuaded to surrender after speaking with a minister connected to both the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. Reportedly, he was in distress and had threatened suicide rather than face capture.
Just hours earlier, Utah Governor Spencer Cox held a press conference asking the public for help in identifying the shooter. The footage was aired during the event, and local and federal officials stood by as it played.
Robinson has since been charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Bullet casings found at the scene were marked with anti-fascist and mocking messages. According to investigators, the suspect’s family stated that Robinson had expressed hatred for Kirk in the past, accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric.
