Kirk, co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA and a staunch Trump ally, was gunned down by a single rifle shot fired from a rooftop during an outdoor event attended by 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles south (65 km) of Salt Lake City.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that a family member of the suspect's reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Tyler James Robinson is in custody for allegedly fatally shooting conservative icon Charlie Kirk during a UVU debate.

Following a two-day manhunt, a suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was arrested early on September 12. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was identified by officials on Friday morning. Officials said he confessed to the shooting to a family member, and they have physical evidence linking him to the murder.

Like thousands of Americans captivated by the manhunt for the shooter who killed conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, a Utah father had seen the photos and video footage of the suspect released by authorities.

Cox says the family member recalled a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner before 10 September and mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to Utah Valley University, and talked about why he "didn't like him and the viewpoints he had". Robinson had told a family member that "Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate", according to Cox.

MORE: Tyler Robinson named suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting, how he was caught. The founder of the conservative youth activist organization was shot while speaking at Utah Valley

Tyler Robinson, 22, suspected of shooting Charlie Kirk, used the app Discord to send incriminating messages, authorities allege. What even is Discord?