Attempt to Recover Alleged Murder Weapon Thwarted by Police Encounter

A seemingly routine police interaction may have played a pivotal role in disrupting a suspect’s alleged attempt to recover the weapon used in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Law enforcement sources confirm that Tyler Robinson “made contact” with a police officer around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, near the wooded perimeter of the university campus where investigators later recovered a high-powered rifle believed to be the murder weapon. The encounter occurred approximately six hours after the shooting, which took place during a student-organized political event attended by Kirk.

The officer, conducting a sweep of the area as part of the ongoing investigation, reportedly noticed Robinson lingering near a restricted zone marked off earlier that afternoon. According to sources familiar with the case, Robinson’s behavior and proximity to the recovery site immediately drew suspicion.

“This wasn’t just a coincidence,” said one law enforcement official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The timing and location suggest he may have been trying to retrieve the weapon before we found it.”

Investigators believe the rifle had been concealed in dense brush near the university’s south parking lot, an area not immediately accessible to the public. The weapon was recovered later that evening following a coordinated search effort involving local police, campus security, and federal agents.

Robinson has not been formally charged, and authorities have not confirmed whether he is currently in custody. However, officials say the interaction with police may have significantly altered the trajectory of the investigation.

“This was a critical moment,” said another source close to the case. “Had the officer not engaged Robinson when he did, we might be looking at a missing weapon and a much harder case to prosecute.”

The Utah County Attorney’s Office has declined to comment on Robinson’s status or the specifics of the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the case. Prosecutors are expected to present preliminary findings later this week.

Charlie Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene following what witnesses described as a targeted attack. The shooting sent shockwaves through the campus community and sparked renewed debate over security protocols at public events.

University officials have expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of campus safety measures. “We are devastated by this tragedy,” said UVU President Astrid Tuminez in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Mr. Kirk’s family and all those affected.”

As investigators continue to reconstruct the timeline of events, the chance police encounter with Robinson may prove to be a turning point in a case that has gripped national attention.