On September 10th, Charlie Kirk, an influential conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University. Two days later, the suspect was named as Tyler Robinson by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

A look at what unfolded:

Kirk, 31 years old, was giving a speech at Utah Valley University while on his “American Comeback” tour. He was taking questions from a crowd of 3,000 people from under a white gazebo. Right before he was shot, he was asked by an audience member how many mass shootings have been committed by transgender people in the last ten years.

He replied by saying “Too many”

The questioner then fact-checked him, pointing out that there have only been five mass shootings of that kind, contrasting that number with national records of gun violence committed overall.

Kirk commented in reply “Counting or not counting gang violence?”

Then gunshots rang out, fired from atop a building called the Losee Center near the campus quad.

Kirk slumped in his chair, profusely bleeding from his neck as his staff rushed him off the stage

The crowd fled from the scene in screams and disarray.

Not long after, President Donald Trump announces on his Truth Social platform that Charlie Kirk has died.

A graphic, uncensored video of the shooting has been widely circulated on social media.

Who is Tyler Robinson, and what does he have to do with the Charlie Kirk shooting?

On Friday, Trump told Fox News that a suspect had been apprehended by someone “close to him”. When he was asked to clarify, Trump said “namely his father” and that “we’ve got to go in.”

“They drove into police headquarters, and (the suspect) is there now,” Trump added.

Robinson’s father had recalled a conversation in which the suspect said Charlie Kirk was “full of hate and spreading hate.” 

Governor Cox described the engravings on the gun, bullet casings, and scope as having said “Hey fascist, catch!”

From what the media says, Robinson had a content life in the suburbs, as displayed on social media.

Why did this assassination happen?

No one knows what Tyler Robinson may have been thinking the moments before he shot Charlie Kirk, however, Charlie Kirk’s speeches were often seen by his opponents as divisive and inflammatory. This could have possibly incited Tyler Robinson to believe that he could solve his issue with Charlie Kirk through political violence. 

Regardless of one’s views on Charlie Kirk and his rhetoric, violent assassination is no way to solve any disagreement, political or otherwise. Whether aimed at a progressive figure or a conservative activist such as Charlie Kirk, such acts are an affront to democratic principles and human decency. Resorting to violence to silence opposing views not only undermines civil discourse but also perpetuates a culture of fear and retaliation. This tragedy also reflects a broader systemic crisis in the United States, where gun violence continues to escalate at an alarming rate. Firearms have become a disturbingly common way to express anger and frustration. Lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens alike must confront this epidemic of gun violence and advocate for more civilized ways of engaging in healthy debate. That means enacting sensible gun legislation, investing in mental health resources, and fostering a culture that promotes mental health and constructive dialogue over blind destruction.