In a chilling revelation, the suspected assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly confessed to the crime in an online chat just hours before turning himself in to authorities.
According to the Daily Mail, the incident, which unfolded at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, culminated in the arrest of Tyler Robinson late Thursday night after a 33-hour manhunt, with the suspect now facing potential capital murder charges.
The tragic event occurred during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where Charlie Kirk, a prominent MAGA activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was addressing an audience.
According to investigators, Kirk was struck by a single bullet to the neck, fired from a sniper rifle, while he was on stage. The shooting sent shockwaves through the campus and the conservative community, as Kirk was known for his influential role in promoting conservative values among young people.
Late Thursday night, after evading law enforcement for over a day, Tyler Robinson was apprehended at 10 p.m. and taken into custody at a Utah jail. He is being held on suspicion of aggravated murder, with authorities indicating that he may face capital murder charges, a crime punishable by death via firing squad in Utah. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday to address these serious allegations.
Before surrendering to police, Robinson allegedly made a startling admission in a private Discord chat group with close friends. As reported by The Washington Post, he wrote, "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all." In a follow-up message, he added, "It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this."
Discord, the online platform where the confession was made, is working closely with the FBI and local law enforcement to provide information about Robinson’s digital footprint. However, the company stated it found no evidence that Robinson used the platform to plan the attack or encourage violent behavior. This cooperation has helped authorities piece together the suspect’s actions leading up to his arrest.
During the intensive manhunt, law enforcement discovered a high-powered hunting rifle in a wooded area near the university, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Investigators also released images of a young man in a baseball cap and casual attire, later identified as Robinson, and sought public assistance in tracking him down. On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that DNA found on a towel wrapped around the rifle matched Robinson’s, further linking him to the crime.
Additional forensic evidence strengthened the case against Robinson, as DNA on a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop—where the fatal shot was believed to have been fired—also matched his profile. Markings on unused bullet casings found with the weapon provided a glimpse into Robinson’s mindset, including one inscribed with "Hey, fascist! Catch!" Other casings bore references to an anti-fascist song from World War II and symbols tied to online gaming communities, hinting at his digital influences.
Details about Robinson’s life began to surface on Friday, painting a complex picture of the young suspect from St. George, a conservative city four hours south of Orem. He was in his third year of an electrician apprenticeship and lived with a transgender partner, who has not been implicated in the crime and is assisting police. Despite coming from a Republican family, Robinson allegedly developed a deep-seated animosity toward Kirk and embraced leftist views in recent years.
Family and friends revealed that Robinson spent considerable time exploring what they described as shadowy online spaces. Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted that Robinson had been radicalized "in a fairly short amount of time," pointing to the rapid shift in his beliefs. This digital immersion may have contributed to the motivations behind the tragic act at Utah Valley University.
During the 33-hour search for Robinson, authorities detained and later released two individuals who were found to have no connection to the case. Robinson himself has not been cooperative with law enforcement since his arrest, complicating efforts to fully understand his actions. Meanwhile, late Thursday, officials in Orem shared information about the suspect’s clothing and early movements post-shooting to aid in his capture.
In the wake of Kirk’s death, tributes have poured in from across the nation, reflecting his significant impact on conservative circles. A vigil held on Sunday at the Kennedy Center in Washington drew a long line of mourners paying their respects. Moments of silence were also observed at various professional sporting events, honoring Kirk’s legacy as a father of two and a dynamic media figure.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with the mission of engaging young people in conservative ideals, a cause he championed with fervor. His flair for debate and showmanship made him a recognizable face on television networks, often sharing edited clips of college campus discussions. Through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Kirk built a substantial following, amplifying his message to a wide audience.