Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination ‘confesses’ in online messages before arrest

By Deepika lama,Orem, Utah
16 September 2025

A 22-year-old man suspected of assassinating prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk has reportedly confessed to the killing in a series of online messages sent to friends, hours before his arrest ended a tense 33-hour manhunt.

Tyler Robinson, a Utah native and recent university student, allegedly admitted responsibility in a private Discord group chat on Thursday evening, according to screenshots obtained by US media outlets including The Washington Post and The New York Times.

The messages, sent from an account linked to Robinson, paint a picture of a young man grappling with the aftermath of his actions amid a flurry of online speculation.

“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” one message reportedly read. “It was me at UVU yesterday. i’m sorry for all of this. 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 confession came around two hours before Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September, following a tip from a family member who alerted authorities via a mutual friend.

The killing of Kirk, 31, founder of the right-wing youth organisation Turning Point USA, has sent shockwaves through American political circles, reigniting debates over gun violence, online radicalisation and the toxic polarisation of public discourse. Kirk, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and a frequent critic of progressive policies, was shot dead during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem on 10 September. The attack occurred at approximately 12:20 local time, as Kirk fielded questions from students in a packed auditorium.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of pandemonium. “He just stood up, pulled out a rifle from under his jacket, and fired three shots before anyone could react,” said UVU student Maria Gonzalez, 20, who was seated in the front row. Kirk collapsed onstage, struck in the chest and head. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital despite immediate medical intervention. Security footage, later released by police, showed a lone gunman – now identified as Robinson – slipping into the venue disguised as a student volunteer.

Robinson, who has no prior criminal record but was reportedly active in online political forums, faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bail at Utah County Jail. Authorities believe he acted alone, though the investigation into potential accomplices or online influences continues.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, described the arrest as a relief but emphasised the suspect’s lack of cooperation with investigators. “He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating,” Cox told ABC News on Sunday, adding that Robinson’s associates had been more forthcoming.

The Discord revelations add a chilling layer to the case. Prior to the confession, Robinson’s online activity reportedly included messages to his roommate detailing preparations for the attack. According to an arrest affidavit, these exchanges – from an account named “Tyler” – referenced retrieving a rifle from a “drop point”, hiding it in bushes wrapped in a towel, and engraving bullets with political phrases and internet memes, including the anti-fascist slogan “Bella Ciao” from the Italian resistance song.

One bullet casing recovered at the scene bore the inscription “oh bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao”, alongside references to online culture, suggesting a blend of ideological motivation and dark humour.

In the hours after the shooting, Robinson’s Discord group – a chat of about 20 acquaintances from high school and gaming circles – buzzed with speculation. One user jokingly posted: “Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” prompting laughter and memes.

Robinson, monitoring the conversation from hiding, reportedly replied lightheartedly at first, quipping that his “doppelganger” must be trying to frame him.

It was not until the following evening that the tone shifted dramatically with his admission.

Cox addressed the Discord activity during a press conference, noting: “All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him. It was all joking until he admitted that it actually was him.”

Discord, in a statement to media, said it had conducted an internal review and found “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence” on its platform, though it cooperated fully with law enforcement.

Friends and family portray Robinson as an intelligent but troubled young man. A high-achieving student who scored in the 99th percentile on his ACT exam, he had recently enrolled at a local community college but withdrew amid personal struggles.

His mother, in a 2020 social media post, celebrated his academic prowess, calling him a “genius”.

Yet, relatives told investigators that Robinson had grown “more political in recent years”, expressing disdain for figures like Kirk, whom he accused of “spreading hate”.

A note found at his apartment allegedly read: “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,” according to Trump ally Kash Patel.

Utah voting records list Robinson as unaffiliated with any party and “inactive”, indicating he likely did not vote in the 2024 presidential election.

Despite early online rumours linking him to left-wing groups like Antifa – amplified on platforms including X – authorities have found no formal ties.

President Trump, speaking from the White House on Monday, blamed the internet for radicalising the suspect: “This young man was radicalized by the dark corners of the web.

He vowed to pursue the death penalty, calling Kirk “the finest person” and a victim of a “dark moment for America”.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, addressed supporters at a vigil in Washington DC on Saturday, her voice breaking as she pledged to carry on his work. “The time that we have in this world is temporary,” she said, echoing a line from Tulsi Gabbard’s emotional tribute.

Kirk leaves behind two young children and a movement that mobilised millions of young conservatives. His death has prompted widespread condemnation, including firings of public figures for insensitive social media posts.

The case has also spotlighted Discord’s role in youth subcultures. Popular among gamers, the platform has faced scrutiny for harbouring extremist content, though experts caution against overgeneralising. “This is a tragedy of one individual’s descent, not an indictment of an entire app,” said cybersecurity analyst Dr Lena Ramirez of Stanford University.

As Robinson’s arraignment approaches, questions linger: Was he groomed online? Did his “friends” suspect more? And in a nation weary of political violence – from the 6 January Capitol riot to recent assassination attempts – can this spark meaningful reform on guns and rhetoric?

Governor Cox urged unity: “We must heal as a people, not deepen divides.” For now, a community mourns, a family grieves, and America confronts another fracture in its fragile democracy.