Topics: Charlie Kirk, Crime, Politics, Tyler Robinson, US News, Utah, Gun Crime
The man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk allegedly sent a text message to his roommate about why he did it.
Two days after Kirk was shot dead in front of horrified onlookers at a Utah Valley University event on September 10, the FBI tracked down their prime suspect and arrested Utah native, Tyler Robinson.
The 22-year-old has since been charged with several offences in connection with the crime, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.
The suspected killer appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday (September 16), where he spoke only three words - his name - while the judge read out his charges and informed him he would remain in custody without bail until his next scheduled court date, September 29.
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An official motive has not yet been determined, though officials tipped during the investigation that, despite his Republican upbringing, Robinson had become 'more political'.
Vice President JD Vance also slammed what he described as 'left-wing extremism' as behind the attack while appearing on The Charlie Kirk Show in his former friend's memory.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray has further revealed how investigators closed in on Robinson through conversations with his roommate, which also present a possible motive for the alleged killer.
Gray said Robinson was in a 'romantic relationship' with the roommate, who he further described as a 'biological male' in the process of changing gender.
Through cooperating with the cops, the roommate is said to have shared the alleged damning text messages between the pair in the aftermath of the assassination.
Gray said Robinson had left a physical note for his partner that read: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to do it."
The unnamed flatmate then text him: "What?????????????? You're joking, right???? ... you weren't the one who did it right????” to which Robinson replied: "I am, I'm sorry."
Then, when asked why he did it, Robinson allegedly penned: "I had enough of his [Charlie Kirk's] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out."
The messages further indicate the accused killer had been planning the attack for 'a bit over a week'.
"To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret until I died of old age, I am sorry to involve you," it is believed he said in another message before encouraging his partner to 'delete' the exchange and 'stay silent' if contacted by police.
Gray added that people who knew Robinson told investigators he had become increasingly concerned about gay and transgender rights in the US, as indicated by some of the alleged engravings found on bullet casings from the scene.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox also suggested Robinson had become 'radicalized' online, adding: "Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep."
Kirk, 31, was answering a question about mass shootings when he was shot in the neck by a single bullet.
He was speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his 'American Comeback Tour', a debate series organized by the conservative youth action group he co-founded, Turning Point USA.
It is believed the gunman was positioned on a nearby rooftop and discarded the weapon in woodlands after fleeing the scene.
The abandoned rifle also appeared to be a topic Robinson discussed with his roommate, allegedly stating he planned to 'grab' it from his drop point before cops swarmed the scene.
"I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got back to my vehicle," part of his alleged message read. "I worry about prints, I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with."
Robinson is facing seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm and witness tampering.
If convicted, Utah prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty.
