Tyler Robinson admitted to killing Charlie Kirk in texts to transgender partner: ‘Some hate can’t be negotiated out’

Prosecutors also plan to seek the death penalty. Instead of an indictment, Utah prosecutors used an information document to charge Robinson. This allows the court to hold a probable cause hearing to decide if there is enough evidence to proceed.

The charging document outlines evidence against Robinson, including  DNA on the gun, a texted confession, and messages he sent to his roommate.

Tyler Robinson confessed to transgender partner in texts

Court filings show Robinson allegedly confessed in a series of text messages to his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs. Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his American Comeback Tour when he was shot in the neck by a single rifle shot.

In the messages, sent less than three hours after the shooting, Robinson told Twiggs about the rifle he used, (his grandfather’s scoped .30-06) hidden in nearby bushes. Robinson mentioned retrieving the rifle he had left wrapped in a towel and expressed concern about his father’s reaction, saying, “What my old man would do if I didn’t bring back Grandpa’s rifle.”

Possible motive

Robinson allegedly targeted Kirk because of his political views. In texts and conversations with his family and roommate, Robinson said Kirk “spreads too much hate”, and he “had enough of his hatred”. Prosecutors did not detail exactly which statements or positions of Kirk motivated Robinson.

On the day of the shooting, Robinson told his roommate to “look under my keyboard”. The roommate found a note: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”

“What?????????,” the roommate responded, according to the court filing. “You’re joking, right????” Robinson said he hoped to keep it secret until he died and told his roommate he had planned the attack for over a week.

Robinson was arrested on September 11 after his father recognised him in news photos. His father noticed the rifle matched one given to Robinson as a gift. Robinson initially said he might harm himself, but eventually was persuaded to turn himself in after speaking with a family friend who is a deputy sheriff.

Investigators noted Robinson’s mother mentioned he had become politically left-leaning and supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, though the charging documents do not clarify if this influenced his motive.

Discord messages

Robinson admitted to the shooting on Discord messages two hours before his arrest: “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all…It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI is investigating everyone involved in the Discord chats. Robinson was part of at least two group chats discussing Kirk’s killing, and authorities are looking into all individuals connected to him.

(With Inputs from CNN)