Who gets the $1M-plus reward offered for identifying of Charlie Kirk killer Tyler Robinson?

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Just a day later, on September 11, the FBI released surveillance photos of the suspect. It was then that Matt Robinson, the father of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, contacted authorities after recognizing his son in the images.

Matt Robinson’s Role in the Investigation

Matt Robinson and his wife saw the FBI photos and immediately identified their son. They tipped off investigators, which played a crucial role in Tyler Robinson’s arrest. Tyler is now facing serious charges, including:

• Felony aggravated murder

• Felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury

• Two counts of felony obstruction of justice

• Two counts of witness tampering

• Committing a violent offense in the presence of a child

Tyler Robinson made his first court appearance on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, where these charges were confirmed.

The $1 Million Reward Debate

After Kirk’s killing, the FBI announced an initial reward of $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the shooter. That amount later grew as private donors stepped in.

• Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz pledged $25,000.

• Conservative activist Robby Starbuck pledged another $25,000.

• Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman added $1 million.

In total, the reward reached $1.15 million.

Speculation quickly spread online about whether Matt Robinson could receive the reward since he provided the tip that led to Tyler’s capture.

Viral Claims About Refusing the Money

A viral Facebook post claimed that Matt Robinson had refused to take the reward, allegedly saying the money should go to Kirk’s family instead. The post stated: “My son wronged the Kirk family, and it’s my responsibility to help him face that mistake.”

However, fact-checking site Snopes confirmed this quote was fake. Matt Robinson has not made any public statement about refusing the money.

How Reward Money is Handled

According to the New York Post, rewards in high-profile cases are managed under strict rules. Typically, the process goes through Rewards for Justice, a U.S. State Department program usually linked to terrorism cases.

Here’s how it works:

1. An investigative body such as the FBI or Department of Defense nominates a candidate for the reward.

2. An interagency committee reviews the information provided.

3. The final decision rests with the U.S. Secretary of State, who has complete authority to approve or deny the payment, as well as to change the amount.

This means that even if Matt Robinson were nominated, he cannot automatically claim the money. The process is long, and the final decision rests with U.S. authorities.

So, Who Will Get the Reward?

As of now, the question remains unanswered. Tyler Robinson has not yet been proven guilty, and the reward money has not been assigned. What is certain is that the decision will not be made by Matt Robinson himself but by the U.S. government.