Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has confessed to the crime in an online chat shortly before surrendering to authorities, US media reports. Robinson, who was arrested late Thursday after an intensive 33-hour manhunt, was part of a small group of friends on the Discord platform when he wrote: “Hey everyone, I have some bad news for you. I was at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry about everything.” He is being held in Utah, where he is charged with felony murder and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. Authorities have left open the possibility of a capital murder charge, which in Utah can carry the death penalty.
How did the incident happen?
Investigators found that Robinson used a sniper rifle to shoot Kirk in the neck while he was giving a speech on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU). He had been hiding on a rooftop near the scene and was identified through DNA found on the gun and on an abandoned pole on the rooftop where he was standing. The FBI also confirmed that Robinson had left a note in advance saying he would take action against Kirk.
Robinson reportedly came from a Republican family in St. George, a conservative city about four hours from Orem. He was in his third year of an apprenticeship as an electrician. On social media, the 22-year-old appeared with a gun and once posed for Halloween on the shoulders of a figure symbolizing Donald Trump. Investigators say he harbored a deep hatred for Kirk and was influenced by far-left ideologies, quickly radicalizing in recent years. Robinson lived with a transgender partner, who authorities say has no connection to the crime and is cooperating with the investigation.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson had spent a lot of time in the “dark corners of the internet” and that his radicalization had been accelerated by exposure to extremist content. On the recovered cartridges, authorities discovered notes with messages such as: “Hey, fascist! Get it!” and “Bella ciao,” an anti-fascist song from World War II, used in certain online communities. The Discord platform confirmed its cooperation with authorities, but an internal investigation by the company found no evidence that Robinson had planned or promoted violence through the social network.
The event has shocked public opinion in the US. Tributes and vigils are being held across the country for Charlie Kirk. Thousands of people have participated in commemorative events, including a large ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Charlie Kirk was the founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, which had a great impact on young people through his field activities, social media and his frequent presence on television.
Investigations by the FBI and local authorities into Robinson's motives and connections continue, while the trial is expected to attract national and international attention.
