The FBI has disclosed text messages allegedly sent by Tyler Robinson.
Robinson was apprehended last week in relation to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
The 22-year-old from Utah was located in under two days following the tragic event. Reports suggest Robinson’s family turned him in after the FBI made public appeals for assistance in identifying the suspect.
Today (September 16), Robinson is anticipated to face formal charges.
The FBI has been gradually releasing information about its ongoing investigation into Robinson, including the revelation that DNA evidence at the crime scene matched Robinson’s DNA.
According to FBI director Kash Patel, the DNA was discovered on a screwdriver retrieved from the rooftop where the lethal shot was fired, as reported by Fox News Channel.
DNA evidence was also identified on a towel that was used to wrap the rifle believed to have been employed in Kirk’s assassination.
Patel has provided additional details regarding the FBI’s primary suspect, indicating that Robinson appeared to confess to his friends in a group chat.
He wrote in the Discord chat, according to The Washington Post: “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
Robinson’s messages continued: “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 22-year-old was reportedly arrested approximately two hours after dispatching the messages.
As the investigation continues, the FBI is also examining whether Robinson was part of a broader network.
“We’ll also be dropping a lot of paper, a lot of subpoenas out there, to take a look to see if there was any extended network,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on Fox News recently.
Bongino further mentioned that there were ‘multiple warning signs’ exhibited by Robinson prior to the shooting, and the agency aims to determine if Kirk’s assassination was ‘part of a larger effort’.
Updates to follow.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by gun violence, more information and support can be found through Survivors Empowered on their website.