The individual suspected of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk reportedly confessed to acquaintances before turning himself in to authorities.
Law enforcement officials are preparing to press murder charges against Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, in connection with the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close associate of former President Donald Trump. Kirk was shot and killed during a rally at Utah Valley University by a single bullet last week.
After a 33-hour manhunt, Robinson surrendered to the police following his father’s identification of him in CCTV footage released during the search. Details have emerged about Robinson’s alleged communication with friends in a Discord group after the incident.
In a message obtained by the Washington Post, Robinson stated, “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this. I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you all for everything.”
The message was sent on Thursday night, moments before his arrest, and a screenshot of the conversation was shared with approximately 30 individuals.
Furthermore, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that DNA found on a towel wrapped around a rifle near the crime scene matched Robinson’s DNA. Patel also mentioned that DNA evidence linked Robinson to a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired, as stated on the Fox News program “Fox & Friends.”
Authorities indicated that Robinson harbored animosity towards Kirk due to his conservative views and was influenced by a “leftist ideology” that had intensified over time. Robinson’s inclination towards exploring extremist content on the internet was noted by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Patel disclosed that Robinson had written a note prior to the shooting expressing his intent to target Kirk, which investigators managed to recover despite its destruction. Governor Cox mentioned that Robinson’s partner is transgender, but it is unclear if this fact played a role in the attack on Kirk.
Commissioner Beau Mason stated, “There was a romantic, personal relationship there. We are still investigating whether that individual had any involvement. We believe that Tyler Robinson acted alone during the shooting.”
Law enforcement officials reported that Robinson has been uncooperative, potentially radicalized online, and that the gun used in the crime had anti-fascist and meme-related engravings on the ammunition. Notably, a bullet casing was inscribed with the message: “Hey, fascist! Catch!”