Featured Image Credit: FBI
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Politics, Crime, US News
Joshua Nair
The suspect behind Charlie Kirk's shooting has seemingly 'confessed' to the act as investigators uncovered Discord chats.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was apprehended by authorities after being turned in by someone 'close' to him just 33 hours after the shooting took place.
Political activist Charlie Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in front of over 3,000 people when a single shot hit him in the neck in horrific scenes for those looking on.
The 31-year-old would be rushed to hospital, though President Donald Trump would later confirm that the father-of-two wouldn't make it, mourning the death of his ally on Truth Social.
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Authorities had previously uncovered disturbing messages between Robinson and his friends, but it seems like an all-out confession from the 22-year-old has been found.
Many close to Robinson have commented on his character and upbringing, with some unsure of how he could have carried out such an act, but the apparent Discord messages suggest otherwise.
He seemingly took responsibility for the shooting in a message to friends on the platform, a company spokesperson said to CBS News yesterday (15 September).
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im [sic] sorry for all of this,” an account allegedly belonging to Robinson said.
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Two people familiar with the chat also confirmed these messages to The Washington Post.
FBI Director Kash Patel said that Robinson was taken into custody late on Thursday night, though more messages from the account supposedly connected to Robinson appeared to show that he was planning to turn himself in, according to the Discord spokesperson.
One message allegedly read: "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."
This comes after a note was found from Robinson, which said that he was 'going to take' the opportunity to 'take out Charlie Kirk'.
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Authorities also reportedly discovered a DNA match to the 22-year-old on a towel covering the weapon when it was discarded, as well as on the hunting rifle, though these are still being analysed.
Robinson was taken in on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction and firearm; however, he hasn't yet been officially charged, although Utah Governor Spencer Cox said that they would be seeking the death penalty.
According to Christopher Ballard, chief of staff for the Utah County Attorney's Office, Robinson could make his first court appearance this afternoon after formal charges are filed.