Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly confessed to the crime in a series of text messages to his transgender partner, according to court filings. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was struck in the neck by a single rifle shot while speaking at Utah Valley University last week.
Robinson, taken into custody a day after the shooting, appeared in a Utah court on murder charges in a case that has drawn attention from President Donald Trump and his allies.
According to documents, Robinson texted his partner, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” admitting he had planned the attack for more than a week. Investigators also discovered a handwritten note where Robinson wrote, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Evidence Found During Police Search
Court filings showed that Robinson left his rifle hidden in a bush after the shooting, telling his partner he was worried about fingerprints. In one message, he admitted, “I am, I’m sorry,” when asked if he was the shooter. He also directed his partner to delete their messages and to remain silent if questioned by police.
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Police later searched Robinson’s residence, finding a shell casing with similar etchings to those from the abandoned rifle, along with bullet-riddled targets. Investigators said Robinson’s family noted he had shifted politically in the past year and persuaded him to meet a retired sheriff’s deputy, who ultimately convinced him to surrender.
Robinson was arrested near St. George, Utah, and charged with felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice, and witness tampering, along with enhancements for political violence and committing crimes near children.
FBI Director Kash Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee that investigators are pursuing all leads, including a gaming chatroom on Discord where Robinson had participated. “We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said.
