Just hours before his arrest, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly confessed on Discord to shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In a group chat, Robinson wrote: “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this.” Investigators say the posts could become key evidence.
Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing more than 3,000 people at Utah Valley University. He was rushed to a hospital but later died. Former President Donald Trump confirmed his death, while the FBI launched a multistate manhunt. Robinson was arrested about 33 hours later after someone close to him contacted authorities.
Messages in the 20+ member chat ranged from dark jokes to apparent admissions. When tagged with “wya 💀” after FBI images spread, Robinson didn’t deny it. At one point, the account posted: “Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around.”
Near the end, Robinson allegedly signaled surrender: “im surrendering through a sheriff friend… thanks for all the good times and laughs.” Discord confirmed finding the posts but denied the platform was used to plan the shooting.
Utah officials charged Robinson with aggravated murder and announced they will pursue the death penalty. Governor Spencer Cox said: “He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating.” Motive remains unclear.