Prosecutors Unveil Texts From Charlie Kirk Suspect

The Charges Against Tyler Robinson and the Circumstances of Charlie Kirk's Murder

Tyler Robinson has been charged with the aggravated murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, according to prosecutors who announced the charges on Tuesday. During the investigation, text messages were discovered that allegedly show Robinson admitted his guilt in the shooting. In one message sent to his roommate, who investigators say he was dating, Robinson is reported to have said: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

Robinson, 22, faces seven counts of various offenses, including one count of aggravated murder, one count of felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and one count of commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. He is accused of killing Kirk with a single shot from 160 yards away as the conservative influencer addressed a crowd of hundreds at Utah Valley University on September 10.

The case took a dramatic turn when Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt. His parents recognized surveillance images of the suspect released by police and convinced him, with the help of a family friend, to turn himself in. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if Robinson is convicted, as stated by Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray during a press conference.

“I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime,” Gray said.

Confessions and Text Messages

Gray revealed that prosecutors retrieved text messages from Robinson’s partner’s phone, which allegedly included confessions to the killing. One message read, “Drop what you’re doing. Look under my keyboard.” The note reportedly stated, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to take it.” The partner responded with disbelief, asking, “What?????????????? You’re joking, right????”

Robinson replied, “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.”

When asked why he shot Kirk, Robinson allegedly said, “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.” According to the messages, Robinson had been planning the shooting for “a bit over a week.”

Engravings and the Rifle

Robinson also explained the engravings found on bullet casings left at the scene. He mentioned that the messages were mostly a big meme, referencing a phrase like “notices bulge uwu” from Fox News. He also joked about the rifle he used, which was a gift from his father and previously owned by his grandfather, saying, “Judging from today I’d say grandpas gun does just fine idk.”

In his final messages to his partner, Robinson urged them not to talk to the media and to ask for a lawyer if questioned by the police. He wrote, “You are all I worry about love. I’m much more worried about you.”

Role of Parents and FBI Investigation

Gray highlighted the critical role played by Robinson's parents in solving the case. After seeing the suspect’s image on television, Robinson’s mother became concerned that her son might be involved. She called him the day after the shooting and asked what he was doing. Robinson told her he was home, sick, and that he had been home sick the day before, on September 10.

When authorities released a description of the gun used in the crime, which matched one given to Robinson by his father, they asked him to send a photo of the rifle. Robinson did not respond. Eventually, he admitted to the crime and implied he intended to take his own life. His parents convinced him to meet at their home, where he admitted to being the shooter. They then convinced him to speak with a family friend who is a retired deputy sheriff, who ultimately persuaded him to turn himself in.

FBI and Discord Chat

FBI Director Kash Patel testified at a heated Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about the investigation. The FBI is interviewing “a lot more” than 20 people who participated in a chat with Robinson on the online platform Discord. A message from Robinson to the group read, “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”

Patel confirmed that the FBI is investigating anyone and everyone involved in the Discord chat, stating, “We’re running them all down.”

Legal Proceedings and Impact

Robinson appeared virtually in court from Utah County Jail and was informed of his charges. Judge Tony F. Graf appointed him an attorney, noting that Robinson is indigent and cannot afford legal fees. Robinson will remain in custody without bail.

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, received a pretrial protective order requested by prosecutors. The incident has sparked deep divisions across the country, especially as political violence continues to rise. It has led to plans for a crackdown on leftwing groups by the Trump administration and threats to prosecute “hate speech.”

Utah’s Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason stated that authorities believe Robinson acted alone, but they are investigating whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching consequences beyond Robinson’s criminal case.

Background on Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk was a leading voice among conservative youths who rose to national prominence during the Trump era. He was central in rallying support for Trump’s presidential campaigns among young people, using campus events to build his organization, Turning Point USA, which raised tens of millions of dollars for the president's 2024 run.

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was only 18, as a conservative response to liberal organizing platforms. He was known for his controversial takes on race, gun violence, and immigration, and had a large following across various platforms. He was speaking to university students in Orem, Utah, at one of his many college-campus debates when he was shot in the neck.

Videos of Kirk’s killing spread online and across social media platforms such as X and TikTok. Many people have been fired for sharing celebratory reactions to the killing.