Tyler James Robinson, aged 22, has been charged with the aggravated murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10th. Text messages exchanged between Robinson and his roommate, a "biological male who was involved in a romantic relationship" with the suspect and transitioning to female, detailed Robinson's actions and intentions. The day of the shooting, Robinson texted his roommate, urging them to "Drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard," where a note was found stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it." Police also found engravings on the recovered bullets, including "Hey fascist! Catch! ↑ → ↓↓↓,".
The text exchanges reveal Robinson's efforts to dispose of the murder weapon, a Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle, which he called "grandpas rifle" and was concerned about explaining its loss to his father. He initially planned to retrieve the rifle from a "drop point" but was thwarted by police activity in the area. Robinson admitted to planning the attack for "a bit over a week" and expressed his motive as having "enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out." He also implied a desire to keep the act secret until he died of old age, apologizing to his roommate for involving them.
Robinson's upbringing in a conservative family was noted, with his mother telling investigators that he had "started to lean more to the left — become more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented" over the past year. Throughout the ordeal, Robinson instructed his roommate not to speak with the media or police without a lawyer and expressed concern for their well-being, stating, "You are all I worry about love." He eventually turned himself in after a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff, persuaded him. Facing charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering, officials have indicated they will seek the death penalty.
