Congressional Republicans celebrated the capture of the suspect accused of shooting and killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Law enforcement identified the suspect Friday morning as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a resident of Utah who was arrested in the southern part of the state.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said a Robinson family member contacted a family friend, who then got in touch with authorities with information indicating Robinson had “confessed to them or had implied that he had committed the incident.”
The capture ended a manhunt spanning more than 30 hours, a development that was celebrated by GOP members in both chambers of Congress.
“Great job by local & federal officials on catching Charlie’s killer,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said Friday morning on social platform X. “Justice will be done. We continue to lift Charlie’s family & loved ones up in prayer.”
Republicans thanked local, state and federal law enforcement for conducting the investigation.
“Thank you to all the local, state, and federal law enforcement who didn’t rest until this terrorist was apprehended. Under [FBI] Director [Kash] Patel and AG [Attorney General Pam] Bondi’s leadership, I am confident justice for Charlie will be served and I strongly encourage them to make an example of this cowardly scumbag,” Rep Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) said in a post on X.
Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) praised Cox, Utah law enforcement and the FBI, along with state and federal officers, for doing a “phenomenal job in identifying” the alleged assassin.
“In the midst of tragedy, they worked tirelessly to pursue accountability. We are all grateful for their efforts and demonstration of Utah’s hardworking spirit,” Moore said. “My team and I continue to pray for Charlie’s family and loved ones during this unthinkable time.”
Some within the GOP called on both sides of the aisle to tone down the rhetoric and seek “peace.”
“The assassin has been apprehended. It is imperative that Members of Congress on BOTH SIDES calm the rhetoric and look towards peace,” Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) said on X.
“It is OK to disagree. It doesn’t mean the other person is evil. #PrayForCharlieKirk.”
Republicans also offered prayers for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young kids.
“They got him. As the FBI and Utah law enforcement continue to reveal more about the motives behind this heinous assassination, let us once more pray that justice be done, that Charlie Kirk’s family be surrounded by love and comfort, and that we never allow such a crime to happen again,” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said on X.
