The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly confessed to his partner in a series of chilling text messages, according to prosecutors. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder after Kirk was gunned down at Utah Valley University on 10 September. Prosecutors say Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray revealed that Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle used in the shooting. He said Robinson left both a handwritten note and a digital trail that pointed directly to him. “The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Gray told reporters.
Messages of confession
The texts, exchanged with Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, began with reassurance but quickly turned into a confession.Robinson: I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.Roommate: you weren’t the one who did it right????Robinson: I am, I’m sorry.Roommate: I thought they caught the person?Robinson: no, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing. I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. Its quiet, almost enough to get out, but there’s one vehicle lingering.Roommate: Why?Robinson: Why did I do it?Roommate: Yeah.Robinson: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven’t seen anything about them finding it.Roommate: How long have you been planning this?Robinson: a bit over a week I believe. I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don’t wanna chance it.He later worried about losing the gun:Robinson: I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle. … I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle … idek if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me. I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with. … I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. how the f___ will I explain losing it to my old man. … only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel. …He also mentioned “engraving bullets” as a joke, adding:Robinson: remember how I was engraving bullets? The f_____ messages are mostly a big meme, if I see “notices bulge uwu” on fox new I might have a stroke alright im gonna have to leave it, that really f______ sucks. … judging from today I’d say grandpas gun does just fine idk. I think that was a $2k scope ;-;He later instructed his partner:Robinson: delete this exchange … don’t talk to the media please. don’t take any interviews or make any comments. … if any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent.
Charges and wider fallout
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors say he targeted Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, because of his outspoken views.Authorities are also investigating whether Robinson’s online activity on Discord gaming chatrooms could reveal broader ties. FBI Director Kash Patel told lawmakers: “We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead.”Kirk’s killing has intensified political divisions in the US, with some conservatives calling for harsher measures against dissent and others warning of the dangers of rising political violence.Robinson, who appeared in court wearing a suicide prevention vest, spoke only to confirm his name. The judge ordered that he remain in custody without bail.