The individual accused of killing Charlie Kirk reportedly texted his roommate explaining his actions.
Following the shooting of Kirk at a Utah Valley University event on September 10, the FBI quickly identified and apprehended their main suspect, Tyler Robinson, two days later.
The 22-year-old faces multiple charges related to the incident, such as aggravated murder and witness tampering.
During his initial court appearance on Tuesday, September 16, Robinson spoke only his name while being informed by the judge that he would remain in custody without bail until his next hearing on September 29.
Although authorities haven’t officially determined a motive, hints from the investigation suggest that Robinson, despite his Republican background, had become more politically active.
Vice President JD Vance criticized what he termed ‘left-wing extremism’ as the driving force behind the attack during an appearance on The Charlie Kirk Show in remembrance of his former friend.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray disclosed that investigators were able to trace Robinson through discussions with his roommate, which might also suggest a motive for the alleged crime.
Gray mentioned that Robinson was in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who is described as a biological male undergoing gender transition.
The roommate cooperated with authorities, sharing alleged incriminating text messages between them after the assassination.
Gray noted that Robinson had left a note for his partner saying: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to do it.”
The roommate then texted Robinson: “What?????????????? You’re joking, right???? … you weren’t the one who did it right????” to which Robinson responded: “I am, I’m sorry.”
When questioned about his motives, Robinson allegedly wrote: “I had enough of his [Charlie Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
These messages suggest the shooting had been planned for over a week.
“To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret until I died of old age, I am sorry to involve you,” he reportedly said in another message, advising his partner to delete the conversation and remain silent if police inquired.
Gray also stated that individuals familiar with Robinson told investigators that he had grown increasingly preoccupied with gay and transgender rights in the US, as evidenced by engravings found on bullet casings at the scene.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson had become ‘radicalized’ online, saying: “Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.”
At the time of his death, Kirk, 31, was responding to a question about mass shootings when he was struck in the neck by a single bullet.
He was speaking at Utah Valley University during his ‘American Comeback Tour,’ a debate series organized by Turning Point USA, a conservative youth action group he helped establish.
The shooter is believed to have been positioned on a nearby rooftop and discarded the weapon in a wooded area after fleeing.
Robinson allegedly discussed the abandoned rifle with his roommate, stating he intended to retrieve it from its hiding spot before the police arrived.
“I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got back to my vehicle,” part of his message allegedly read. “I worry about prints, I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with.”
Robinson is currently facing seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm, and witness tampering.
Should Robinson be convicted, Utah prosecutors have indicated they plan to pursue the death penalty.