Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Admitted Attack in Texts, Records Show

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, reportedly confessed to his transgender partner in a series of frantic text messages shortly after the attack, according to newly unsealed court documents. Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a single rifle shot to the neck while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University last week, an incident that has ignited outrage among President Donald Trump and his supporters, who decry it as escalating political violence against conservatives.

Robinson, arrested a day after the shooting near his hometown of St. George, Utah—about 240 miles southwest of the crime scene—faced a Utah court appearance where he was hit with murder charges, alongside counts of felony discharge of a firearm (up to life in prison), obstructing justice (up to 15 years), and witness tampering. Authorities have yet to pinpoint a definitive motive, but the texts paint a picture of deep-seated resentment toward Kirk's rhetoric. In one exchange, Robinson wrote to his partner—his unnamed roommate, a transgender male transitioning to female—"I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

The confession unfolded after Robinson left a handwritten note hidden under a keyboard for his partner, stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." When questioned if it was a prank, Robinson replied, "I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet... To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you." Pressed further on whether he was responsible, he admitted, "I am, I'm sorry."

Also Read: Charlie Kirk’s Killer Caught: Trump Reveals Suspect Turned In by Family

A partial transcript of their texts reveals Robinson's post-shooting anxiety and logistics. His partner asked, "I thought they caught the person?" Robinson responded, "No, they grabbed some crazy old dude... I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down." When his partner probed, "Why?" Robinson echoed, "Why did I do it?" before explaining his hatred-driven rationale. He disclosed planning the hit for "a bit over a week" and fretted over retrieving the weapon, hidden in a bush after changing outfits: "I'm wishing I had circled back and grabbed it... I'm worried what my old man would do if I didn't bring back grandpas rifle."

Robinson urged his partner to "delete this exchange" and warned against speaking to media or police without a lawyer. He even mentioned his father's diehard MAGA leanings since Trump's return to office, adding irony as he contemplated turning himself in via a neighbor who was a sheriff's deputy—a move ultimately persuaded by family and friends.

Investigators raided Robinson's home, uncovering a shell casing etched similarly to those in the abandoned rifle, plus targets riddled with bullet holes. Robinson's mother told authorities he'd shifted left politically in the past year, embracing gay and transgender rights amid his relationship. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Tuesday that agents are probing a Discord gaming chatroom linked to Robinson, involving over 20 participants, to uncover any broader conspiracy: "We are investigating Charlie's assassination fully... running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence."

The charges include enhancements for committing crimes near children and motivated by political beliefs, amplifying the case's national resonance as a stark example of ideological extremism.

Also Read: Trump Vows Revenge for Charlie Kirk’s Assassination