The FBI has revealed disturbing messages that the suspect, arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk, sent to his roommate following the attack in Utah earlier this week.
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, was killed during an event hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, on Wednesday, September 10, at Utah Valley University.
Authorities sought assistance in identifying the shooter after a suspect was observed on a rooftop of a building on the university’s campus.
During a press conference on Friday, September 12, the FBI announced the apprehension of a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox began by informing the audience, “We got him,” and then proceeded to share unsettling messages exchanged between the suspect and his roommate on Discord.
Cox mentioned that investigators spoke with Robinson’s roommates, who provided messages exchanged with an account under the name ‘Tyler’.
Messages from ‘Tyler’ detailed plans to retrieve a rifle from a drop-off location, leave it wrapped in a towel in a bush, and then exit the scene.
The governor further explained that other messages contained discussions about the rifle being ‘unique’, and included mentions of engraving bullets and a scope.
Cox also revealed that ‘Tyler’ discussed changing his outfits in the Discord conversation.
In another part of the press conference, Cox highlighted what led to Robinson’s arrest, mentioning a tip received from a family member of Robinson. This family member had contacted a family friend, who then informed the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The governor explained that ‘Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident’.
An interview with a family member of Robinson revealed that the suspect had become ‘more political’ over recent years.
They recalled an incident before the September 10 shooting, when Robinson had dinner with them and discussed Kirk’s upcoming visit to Utah Valley University.
“They talked about why he didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said.
Cox expressed his gratitude to law enforcement, the FBI, and the public for their assistance in the investigation. He also commended Robinson’s family for doing ‘the right thing’.
For those affected by gun violence, more information and support can be found through Survivors Empowered on their website.