(NewsNation) — Charlie Kirk‘s alleged killer appears to have confessed to friends in an online chat group before his arrest, according to The Washington Post.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” a message from an account purportedly belonging to Tyler Robinson on instant messaging platform Discord read. “It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this.”
The message went on to say, “im 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 Post cited two people familiar with the chat, as well as screenshots obtained by the newspaper.
Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested about two hours after the message was sent. Discord gave a copy of the message to police, The Post reported.
Tyler Robinson court appearance
The alleged gunman was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice, all felonies. A judge ordered that he be held without bail and he’s expected to make a first appearance in court Tuesday.
Robinson mentioned Kirk’s upcoming visit to Utah Valley University — located about 3 1/2 hours from the family’s southern Utah home — at a dinner before the shooting, kicking off a conversation about how he didn’t like Kirk’s viewpoints, his family told authorities.
A full picture of his political leanings is still emerging. Utah state records show he is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he didn’t vote in the two most recent general elections. State and federal court records do not show any prior criminal cases involving him.
Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.
Posts by Robinson’s mother reflect an active family with vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska. They frequently spent time outdoors — boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is shown smiling as he grips the handles of a 50-caliber heavy machine gun.
Robinson could face death by firing squad if he’s found guilty at trial.
Alleged shooter ‘subscribed to left-wing ideology’: FBI director
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News on Monday that investigators indicated the alleged shooter’s family told them that he “subscribed to left-wing ideology.”
“Even more so in these last couple of years,” Patel continued.
Patel also said that the suspect sent a text message before the assassination to an “individual,” saying that he had an opportunity to kill Kirk and was going to do it “because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for.”
Patel has faced scrutiny for his initial handling of the investigation, particularly when he prematurely announced on X that the suspected shooter was in custody, only for it to be revealed later that the shooter was still at large.
Despite the criticisms, President Donald Trump has expressed support for Patel: “I am very proud of the FBI,” Trump told Fox News Digital on Saturday. “Kash — and everyone else — they have done a great job.”