A spokesperson for Discord has confirmed that the alleged perpetrator in the Charlie Kirk shooting appeared to claim responsibility for the act on the messaging platform.
According to the spokesperson, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson messaged contacts within a Discord chat hours before his arrest last week in connection with the shooting at an event held at Utah Valley University (UVU).
“It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” the message from an account purportedly belonging to Robinson read, as confirmed by the spokesperson and a law enforcement source.
Robinson, who has not yet been formally charged, is scheduled to appear in court this Tuesday.
He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice, and could potentially face the death penalty.
The Washington Post initially reported on the Discord messages, allegedly authored by Robinson, which are believed to have been composed and posted near the conclusion of a manhunt for Kirk’s killer that spanned over a day.
The Discord spokesperson stated that an internal investigation found “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.”
On Tuesday, FBI Director Kash Patel informed a congressional hearing that investigators intend to question members of the Discord group chat involving Robinson.
He stated that investigators will speak to “anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat” and affirmed their commitment to “running out every lead.”
When questioned about the number of Discord users in the chat, estimated at around 20, Patel indicated that the actual number was “a lot more.”
Kirk, 31, was addressing an open-air event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday, organized by Turning Point USA – the organization he co-founded – when he was struck in the neck by a single bullet.
The death of the right-wing activist and influencer ignited widespread condemnation, with accusations of spreading hateful rhetoric exchanged between Democrats and Republicans, and spurred a search for the perpetrator. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that Robinson was apprehended after confessing to his father about Kirk’s killing and being persuaded to surrender.
Law enforcement sources have informed CBS News that Robinson and his associates engaged in casual conversation about the shooting in a Discord group chat involving over 20 individuals prior to his arrest.
Robinson was reportedly questioned within the group about whether he was the gunman, an accusation he did not deny. Furthermore, one group member made light of the situation by suggesting that Robinson avoid McDonald’s, referencing the location where Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was apprehended.
Messages from the account believed to be Robinson’s also suggest that he was planning to turn himself in.
“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,” one message reads.
Governor Cox stated that Robinson was not cooperating with authorities, but his roommate was among those who were.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who has faced scrutiny over his handling of the case, told Fox News in a Monday interview that a text message exchange was discovered on Robinson’s phone in which he “specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that.”
Investigators are currently working to establish a motive for the killing.
Governor Cox previously stated that Robinson, a Utah native, was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.” Public records reviewed by the BBC indicate that Robinson had previously registered as an unaffiliated, or nonpartisan, voter in Utah. According to state records, his parents are registered Republicans.
However, according to Cox, a family member informed investigators that Robinson had become “more political” in recent years and had specifically mentioned Kirk’s impending visit to Utah Valley University during a dinner.
Stephen Miller, a top official in the Trump administration, has alleged that there was an organized campaign behind the assassination, but no evidence has been presented to suggest that Robinson was working as part of a group.
Miller made these remarks on Kirk’s podcast, the Charlie Kirk Show, which was guest-hosted by his friend, Vice President JD Vance, in an episode that aired on Monday.
According to CBS, investigators are also examining social media accounts used by Robinson for any indication that anyone may have known about or encouraged the shooting beforehand.
Kirk, a devout Christian, was a staunch advocate for gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender and gay rights, and promoted false claims about Covid-19.
His supporters described him as relatable, someone who understood their concerns, and capable of engaging in respectful debates with those who held differing opinions.
However, his views drew considerable criticism from liberals, with detractors labeling his comments as deeply offensive to certain minority groups, including LGBT individuals and Muslims.
Turning Point USA, which Kirk co-founded, aimed to promote conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges and played a pivotal role in mobilizing voters for Trump and other Republican candidates in last year’s election.
He adds that “much more evidence and information” will become available once charges are filed in the case.
The young academics, who disagreed with many of Kirk’s political views, say they are devastated.
Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk during an open-air speaking event.
The organisation Kirk co-founded will host a memorial at a 60,000+ seat stadium in Arizona.
Kirk, an influential Trump ally who at age 18 set up Turning Point USA, died in a shooting while speaking at a Utah campus event.