Kirk Attack Accused Seemed to Confess via Messaging Platform
Utah Division of Law Enforcement
The alleged killer of right-wing figure Charlie Kirk appeared to take responsibility for the incident on the messaging platform Discord, a company spokesperson has confirmed.
As stated by the spokesperson, Tyler Robinson messaged acquaintances in a group on Discord a short time prior to he was arrested recently in connection with the attack on Kirk at an gathering at Utah Valley University.
"I was the one at the university that day. I apologize for everything," states a message from an account that reportedly belongs to Mr Robinson, based on the representative and a law enforcement source.
Mr Robinson, who has still not been officially indicted, is due to appear in court on this week.
Taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, he could face the death penalty.
The online communications believed to be from Mr Robinson, initially revealed by the Washington Post, are apparently composed and shared towards the end of a search for Kirk's killer that lasted more than a day.
The victim, thirty-one, who was a polarizing personality in US politics and a close supporter of President Donald Trump, was speaking at Utah Valley University on that day at an open-air event held by Turning Point USA - the entity he helped establish - when he was hit in the neck by a gunshot.
The death of the popular online influencer provoked anger, with Democrats and Republicans accusing each other of promoting hateful rhetoric, and a hunt for his killer.
Officials have indicated that Mr Robinson and his friends bantered about the shooting prior to his arrest in a online discussion on the platform including over twenty people.
The spokesperson for the platform said that an company review had found "nothing to suggest that the accused premeditated this event or encouraged harm on our service".
The individual is said to have been questioned by others in the group about whether he was the gunman, which he seemingly acknowledged, and there were also comments from a participant about him needing to avoid McDonald's.
Messages from the profile linked to the suspect also indicate that he was planning to surrender to authorities.
"im surrendering via a law enforcement contact in a few moments, thanks for the memories and laughs, everyone has been so amazing, thank you all for everything," reads one.
It was reported that the accused was not co-operating with authorities but his roommate was among those who did cooperate.
Investigators have been working to determine a motive for the shooting.
Official documents examined suggest that the suspect had in the past registered as an nonpartisan elector.
Nevertheless, as per reports, a relative told authorities that Mr Robinson had become "increasingly ideological" in recent years and had brought up Kirk's impending visit during a dinner.
Among the former president’s key aides has alleged there was an coordinated effort behind the assassination but nothing concrete has been presented so far that suggests the suspect was working as part of a larger network.
Investigators are also examining online profiles used by Mr Robinson, and any signs that anyone may have been aware of or supported the attack beforehand.
EPA/Shutterstock
The victim, a devout Christian, was a strong supporter of firearm ownership, strongly against abortion, was skeptical about transgender and gay rights, and shared misinformation about Covid-19.
Those who admired him said he was approachable, understood their worries and was able to hold civil discussions with those he disagreed with.
However, his opinions drew strong opposition from progressives, with his detractors calling his comments deeply offensive to some minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and followers of Islam.
Turning Point USA, which Kirk established, aimed to promote right-leaning values at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a key role in getting people to support the former president and other Republican candidates in the election recently.