Topline: A tip from the suspect’s family, along with video and digital evidence, helped authorities arrest Tyler Robinson in the high-profile killing of Charlie Kirk.
Published: September 16, 2025 8:00 am ET
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Tyler Robinson (left), the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (right) (via Utah Governor’s office, Reuters)
OREM, UT — Recently uncovered documents allege that Charlie Kirk’s killer confessed to the crime on Discord.
According to The Washington Post, a message believed to be from the suspect, Tyler Jameson Robinson, 22, was posted in a Discord chat group shortly before his arrest.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” the message began.
The user, linked to Robinson, went on to claim responsibility for the incident at Utah Valley University, writing, “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
He then stated his intention to turn himself in, allegedly adding, “I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs — you’ve all been amazing. Thank you for everything.”
The message was reportedly sent Thursday night, September 11—the day after Charlie Kirk was killed and roughly two hours before law enforcement took Robinson into custody.
A combination of surveillance video, digital messages, and a key tip from a family member led law enforcement to the arrest of Robinson in the killing of Kirk.
Robinson was taken into custody less than 33 hours after the shooting. According to an affidavit filed by investigators, he was arrested for aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.
The manhunt began soon after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The shooting occurred on Tuesday , September 10, as Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people at Utah Valley University. Officials told CNN that he was shot by a single round fired from the rooftop of a nearby building. The shooter then fled the scene.
Police initially arrested two people, but both were later released after authorities determined neither was the gunman. One of the individuals was George Zinn, a conservative-libertarian activist arrested on campus after he claimed to have shot Kirk. Authorities later clarified that Zinn was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
Surveillance video of suspect in Charlie Kirk killing (via FBI Salt Lake City)
Shortly after the shooting, the FBI released surveillance video and still images of a person of interest. The footage showed a figure on the rooftop of a building, running at a quick pace, dropping off the edge, and fleeing into a wooded area near the university campus. While the footage was grainy, the images were clear enough for a close relative to make an identification.
According to authorities, the father of Robinson had a family friend contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information. At a press conference on Friday, September 12, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the friend reported that Robinson confessed to them or at least implied his involvement in the shooting.
Robinson’s father, a 27-year veteran with Utah’s Washington County Sheriff’s Department, recognized his son from the surveillance images. After confronting his son, Robinson’s father worked with a youth pastor to urge him to surrender to investigators, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Matt Robinson(left) father of Tyler Robinson (right) suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via X)
The tip from the family was just one piece of the evidence that authorities used to track and apprehend Robinson. Investigators also received critical information from Robinson’s roommate, according to Governor Cox. The roommate showed law enforcement officials online messages sent through the Discord messaging app.
The messages referred to the shooting and provided specific details that corroborated other evidence. According to Cox, the messages talked about a need to retrieve a rifle from a “drop point” and leaving the rifle in a bush, wrapped in a towel. Other messages referenced a scope, engraving bullets, and changing outfits after the shooting.
Based on the messages, investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle from a wooded area near the shooting site. Authorities believe it was the weapon used to kill Kirk. The rifle was a Mauser model 98 in .30-06 caliber. A scope was mounted on it. The weapon was found wrapped in a dark-colored towel, consistent with the messages.
A bolt-action rifle recovered near the scene where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot is (via New York Post)
Investigators said they recovered three unfired bullet casings with unique engravings near the rifle. One casing read, “Hey fascist, catch,” followed by an up arrow, right arrow and three down arrows. Another referenced “Oh, Bella ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist song. The third casing featured the phrase, “If you read this you are gay lmao.”
The inscription on the bullet casing fired at Kirk read, “notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?” According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, the inscriptions showed the gunman’s intent.
Family members told investigators that Robinson had become more political in recent years. A relative recalled a dinner shortly before the shooting during which Robinson mentioned that Kirk was visiting the university. The relative said Robinson criticized Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.”
Cox said investigators reviewed university surveillance video of Robinson’s gray Dodge Challenger arriving on campus the morning of September 10, the day of the shooting. Video showed Robinson arriving in a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, and a black hat.
Robinson was wearing clothing consistent with the images when investigators encountered him on September 12, according to Cox. Authorities said that after the shooting, Robinson switched into darker clothes and then changed back into his original outfit.
President Trump on Fox News announcing the arrest of Tyler Robinson in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via Screenshot)
The arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.” Utah’s governor later confirmed the arrest in a news conference. Cox said investigators worked quickly to process chunks of information as they came in, building a picture of a young man consumed by hate.
The killing has drawn a widespread response from public figures. It has been highlighted as an instance of increasing political violence within the United States. Following the shooting, both Democrats and Republicans condemned the violence.
Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. He praised Kirk, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and said he was a “martyr for truth and freedom.”
On the Democratic side, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X that the attack was “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said it was “in all likelihood” that Kirk was murdered for his political views.
The case has sparked debate about security at public events. The event at Utah Valley University was secured by only six police officers and Kirk’s private security personnel. Attendees criticized the relaxed security, noting there was no ticket required to enter the amphitheater and that metal detectors were not used.
Graphic video of the shooting, captured by attendees, quickly spread across social media. Some platforms added warnings or age restrictions to the footage, while others tried to remove it. YouTube said it removed “some graphic content” that lacked sufficient context and was restricting other videos so they could not be seen by users under 18.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe Robinson acted alone. The Utah County Attorney’s Office said it expects to file formal charges against Robinson early next week. Authorities are working to identify any collaborators in the shooting and are reviewing all of Robinson’s communications
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Suspect in Charlie Kirk Murder Confessed to Killing on Discord: ‘It was me … I’m sorry for all of this’
A tip from the suspect’s family, along with video and digital evidence, helped authorities arrest Tyler Robinson in the high-profile killing of Charlie Kirk.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 16, 2025 8:00 am ET
Tyler Robinson (left), the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (right) (via Utah Governor’s office, Reuters)
OREM, UT — Recently uncovered documents allege that Charlie Kirk’s killer confessed to the crime on Discord.
According to The Washington Post, a message believed to be from the suspect, Tyler Jameson Robinson, 22, was posted in a Discord chat group shortly before his arrest.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” the message began.
The user, linked to Robinson, went on to claim responsibility for the incident at Utah Valley University, writing, “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
He then stated his intention to turn himself in, allegedly adding, “I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs — you’ve all been amazing. Thank you for everything.”
The message was reportedly sent Thursday night, September 11—the day after Charlie Kirk was killed and roughly two hours before law enforcement took Robinson into custody.
A combination of surveillance video, digital messages, and a key tip from a family member led law enforcement to the arrest of Robinson in the killing of Kirk.
Robinson was taken into custody less than 33 hours after the shooting. According to an affidavit filed by investigators, he was arrested for aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.
The manhunt began soon after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The shooting occurred on Tuesday , September 10, as Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people at Utah Valley University. Officials told CNN that he was shot by a single round fired from the rooftop of a nearby building. The shooter then fled the scene.
Police initially arrested two people, but both were later released after authorities determined neither was the gunman. One of the individuals was George Zinn, a conservative-libertarian activist arrested on campus after he claimed to have shot Kirk. Authorities later clarified that Zinn was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
Surveillance video of suspect in Charlie Kirk killing (via FBI Salt Lake City)
Shortly after the shooting, the FBI released surveillance video and still images of a person of interest. The footage showed a figure on the rooftop of a building, running at a quick pace, dropping off the edge, and fleeing into a wooded area near the university campus. While the footage was grainy, the images were clear enough for a close relative to make an identification.
According to authorities, the father of Robinson had a family friend contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information. At a press conference on Friday, September 12, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the friend reported that Robinson confessed to them or at least implied his involvement in the shooting.
Robinson’s father, a 27-year veteran with Utah’s Washington County Sheriff’s Department, recognized his son from the surveillance images. After confronting his son, Robinson’s father worked with a youth pastor to urge him to surrender to investigators, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Matt Robinson(left) father of Tyler Robinson (right) suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via X)
The tip from the family was just one piece of the evidence that authorities used to track and apprehend Robinson. Investigators also received critical information from Robinson’s roommate, according to Governor Cox. The roommate showed law enforcement officials online messages sent through the Discord messaging app.
The messages referred to the shooting and provided specific details that corroborated other evidence. According to Cox, the messages talked about a need to retrieve a rifle from a “drop point” and leaving the rifle in a bush, wrapped in a towel. Other messages referenced a scope, engraving bullets, and changing outfits after the shooting.
Based on the messages, investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle from a wooded area near the shooting site. Authorities believe it was the weapon used to kill Kirk. The rifle was a Mauser model 98 in .30-06 caliber. A scope was mounted on it. The weapon was found wrapped in a dark-colored towel, consistent with the messages.
A bolt-action rifle recovered near the scene where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot is (via New York Post)
Investigators said they recovered three unfired bullet casings with unique engravings near the rifle. One casing read, “Hey fascist, catch,” followed by an up arrow, right arrow and three down arrows. Another referenced “Oh, Bella ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist song. The third casing featured the phrase, “If you read this you are gay lmao.”
The inscription on the bullet casing fired at Kirk read, “notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?” According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, the inscriptions showed the gunman’s intent.
Family members told investigators that Robinson had become more political in recent years. A relative recalled a dinner shortly before the shooting during which Robinson mentioned that Kirk was visiting the university. The relative said Robinson criticized Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.”
Cox said investigators reviewed university surveillance video of Robinson’s gray Dodge Challenger arriving on campus the morning of September 10, the day of the shooting. Video showed Robinson arriving in a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, and a black hat.
Robinson was wearing clothing consistent with the images when investigators encountered him on September 12, according to Cox. Authorities said that after the shooting, Robinson switched into darker clothes and then changed back into his original outfit.
President Trump on Fox News announcing the arrest of Tyler Robinson in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via Screenshot)
The arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.” Utah’s governor later confirmed the arrest in a news conference. Cox said investigators worked quickly to process chunks of information as they came in, building a picture of a young man consumed by hate.
The killing has drawn a widespread response from public figures. It has been highlighted as an instance of increasing political violence within the United States. Following the shooting, both Democrats and Republicans condemned the violence.
Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. He praised Kirk, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and said he was a “martyr for truth and freedom.”
On the Democratic side, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X that the attack was “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said it was “in all likelihood” that Kirk was murdered for his political views.
The case has sparked debate about security at public events. The event at Utah Valley University was secured by only six police officers and Kirk’s private security personnel. Attendees criticized the relaxed security, noting there was no ticket required to enter the amphitheater and that metal detectors were not used.
Graphic video of the shooting, captured by attendees, quickly spread across social media. Some platforms added warnings or age restrictions to the footage, while others tried to remove it. YouTube said it removed “some graphic content” that lacked sufficient context and was restricting other videos so they could not be seen by users under 18.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe Robinson acted alone. The Utah County Attorney’s Office said it expects to file formal charges against Robinson early next week. Authorities are working to identify any collaborators in the shooting and are reviewing all of Robinson’s communications
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Suspect in Charlie Kirk Murder Confessed to Killing on Discord: ‘It was me … I’m sorry for all of this’
A tip from the suspect’s family, along with video and digital evidence, helped authorities arrest Tyler Robinson in the high-profile killing of Charlie Kirk.
By Kate Byrd
Published: September 16, 2025 8:00 am ET
Tyler Robinson (left), the suspected killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (right) (via Utah Governor’s office, Reuters)
OREM, UT — Recently uncovered documents allege that Charlie Kirk’s killer confessed to the crime on Discord.
According to The Washington Post, a message believed to be from the suspect, Tyler Jameson Robinson, 22, was posted in a Discord chat group shortly before his arrest.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” the message began.
The user, linked to Robinson, went on to claim responsibility for the incident at Utah Valley University, writing, “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
He then stated his intention to turn himself in, allegedly adding, “I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs — you’ve all been amazing. Thank you for everything.”
The message was reportedly sent Thursday night, September 11—the day after Charlie Kirk was killed and roughly two hours before law enforcement took Robinson into custody.
A combination of surveillance video, digital messages, and a key tip from a family member led law enforcement to the arrest of Robinson in the killing of Kirk.
Robinson was taken into custody less than 33 hours after the shooting. According to an affidavit filed by investigators, he was arrested for aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.
The manhunt began soon after the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The shooting occurred on Tuesday , September 10, as Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people at Utah Valley University. Officials told CNN that he was shot by a single round fired from the rooftop of a nearby building. The shooter then fled the scene.
Police initially arrested two people, but both were later released after authorities determined neither was the gunman. One of the individuals was George Zinn, a conservative-libertarian activist arrested on campus after he claimed to have shot Kirk. Authorities later clarified that Zinn was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
Surveillance video of suspect in Charlie Kirk killing (via FBI Salt Lake City)
Shortly after the shooting, the FBI released surveillance video and still images of a person of interest. The footage showed a figure on the rooftop of a building, running at a quick pace, dropping off the edge, and fleeing into a wooded area near the university campus. While the footage was grainy, the images were clear enough for a close relative to make an identification.
According to authorities, the father of Robinson had a family friend contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information. At a press conference on Friday, September 12, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the friend reported that Robinson confessed to them or at least implied his involvement in the shooting.
Robinson’s father, a 27-year veteran with Utah’s Washington County Sheriff’s Department, recognized his son from the surveillance images. After confronting his son, Robinson’s father worked with a youth pastor to urge him to surrender to investigators, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Matt Robinson(left) father of Tyler Robinson (right) suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via X)
The tip from the family was just one piece of the evidence that authorities used to track and apprehend Robinson. Investigators also received critical information from Robinson’s roommate, according to Governor Cox. The roommate showed law enforcement officials online messages sent through the Discord messaging app.
The messages referred to the shooting and provided specific details that corroborated other evidence. According to Cox, the messages talked about a need to retrieve a rifle from a “drop point” and leaving the rifle in a bush, wrapped in a towel. Other messages referenced a scope, engraving bullets, and changing outfits after the shooting.
Based on the messages, investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle from a wooded area near the shooting site. Authorities believe it was the weapon used to kill Kirk. The rifle was a Mauser model 98 in .30-06 caliber. A scope was mounted on it. The weapon was found wrapped in a dark-colored towel, consistent with the messages.
A bolt-action rifle recovered near the scene where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot is (via New York Post)
Investigators said they recovered three unfired bullet casings with unique engravings near the rifle. One casing read, “Hey fascist, catch,” followed by an up arrow, right arrow and three down arrows. Another referenced “Oh, Bella ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist song. The third casing featured the phrase, “If you read this you are gay lmao.”
The inscription on the bullet casing fired at Kirk read, “notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?” According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, the inscriptions showed the gunman’s intent.
Family members told investigators that Robinson had become more political in recent years. A relative recalled a dinner shortly before the shooting during which Robinson mentioned that Kirk was visiting the university. The relative said Robinson criticized Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.”
Cox said investigators reviewed university surveillance video of Robinson’s gray Dodge Challenger arriving on campus the morning of September 10, the day of the shooting. Video showed Robinson arriving in a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, and a black hat.
Robinson was wearing clothing consistent with the images when investigators encountered him on September 12, according to Cox. Authorities said that after the shooting, Robinson switched into darker clothes and then changed back into his original outfit.
President Trump on Fox News announcing the arrest of Tyler Robinson in the killing of Charlie Kirk (via Screenshot)
The arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends.” Utah’s governor later confirmed the arrest in a news conference. Cox said investigators worked quickly to process chunks of information as they came in, building a picture of a young man consumed by hate.
The killing has drawn a widespread response from public figures. It has been highlighted as an instance of increasing political violence within the United States. Following the shooting, both Democrats and Republicans condemned the violence.
Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. He praised Kirk, calling him “Great, and even Legendary,” and said he was a “martyr for truth and freedom.”
On the Democratic side, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on X that the attack was “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.” Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, said it was “in all likelihood” that Kirk was murdered for his political views.
The case has sparked debate about security at public events. The event at Utah Valley University was secured by only six police officers and Kirk’s private security personnel. Attendees criticized the relaxed security, noting there was no ticket required to enter the amphitheater and that metal detectors were not used.
Graphic video of the shooting, captured by attendees, quickly spread across social media. Some platforms added warnings or age restrictions to the footage, while others tried to remove it. YouTube said it removed “some graphic content” that lacked sufficient context and was restricting other videos so they could not be seen by users under 18.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe Robinson acted alone. The Utah County Attorney’s Office said it expects to file formal charges against Robinson early next week. Authorities are working to identify any collaborators in the shooting and are reviewing all of Robinson’s communications
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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