Washington:
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly confessed in a series of text messages to his transgender partner shortly after the killing, according to newly released court documents.
Kirk, 31, founder of the right-wing group Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck by a rifle while speaking at Utah Valley University last week. Robinson was arrested a day later and made his first court appearance in Utah, facing murder and related charges in a case that has drawn sharp political reaction from Donald Trump and his allies, who point to it as evidence of rising violence against conservatives.
Texts and notes reveal intent
Court filings revealed that Robinson admitted to planning the shooting for more than a week and left a handwritten note declaring his intent. In one message to his partner, who is also his roommate, Robinson wrote: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
He also left a note hidden under a keyboard that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
When his partner asked if it was a prank, Robinson replied: “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still… To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Pressed further on whether he was the shooter, Robinson confirmed: “I am, I’m sorry.”
Transcript of key text exchanges
* Partner: I thought they caught the person?
Robinson: no, they grabbed some crazy old dude… I planned to grab my rifle from my drop point… most of that side of town got locked down.
* Partner: Why?
Robinson: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.
* Partner: How long have you been planning this?
Robinson: a bit over a week I believe…
Robinson went on to describe how he abandoned the rifle used in the attack, expressed concern about fingerprints, and worried about explaining the missing weapon—his grandfather’s rifle—to his father, whom he described as a staunch Trump supporter. He also urged his partner to delete their exchanges, stay silent if questioned, and avoid talking to the media.
Investigation developments
Police searching Robinson’s home discovered a shell casing with markings matching those found at the crime scene, along with several bullet-riddled targets.
Although Robinson has refused to cooperate with investigators, family members told authorities that he had shifted politically in the past year and became more supportive of LGBTQ rights after starting a relationship with a transgender partner. They persuaded him to meet with a retired sheriff’s deputy, a family friend, who convinced him to surrender.
Robinson was arrested near St. George, Utah, roughly 240 miles from where the shooting occurred. He has been charged with murder, felony discharge of a firearm (which carries a possible life sentence), obstruction of justice (punishable by up to 15 years), and witness tampering for directing his partner to delete messages and remain silent.
FBI expands probe
FBI Director Kash Patel told a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that agents are investigating Robinson’s involvement in a Discord gaming chatroom linked to more than 20 individuals. “We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said, adding that the shooting is being examined as part of a potential wider threat to religious and political groups.
