Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly confessed in a late-night Discord message to about 30 friends, with screenshots later obtained by The Washington Post showing he admitted responsibility just two hours before his arrest was announced.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this,” the message read, referencing the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University the day before.
Robinson allegedly followed up: “I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments.”
His final note to the group: “Thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing. Thank you for everything.”
Friends React
The messages stunned the tight-knit online group, who had been discussing Kirk’s death on Wednesday while Robinson’s account remained silent until Thursday night.
While some had disagreed with Kirk’s politics, members admitted the assassination was deeply disturbing. “Bro didn’t deserve to go out like that sad,” one wrote.
Another member urged compassion: “While Charlie Kirk’s politics were not acceptable to some, I ask that we all say a prayer for him and his family during these confusing times. Pray for Tyler and his repentance.”
The group went silent for hours after Robinson’s confession. By the next day, when officials named him as the suspect, members began coming to terms with what had happened.
Discord’s Response
Discord confirmed the authenticity of the chat but emphasized that the platform had “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence” in advance.
Utah officials had earlier suggested the suspect himself discussed “drop-off points” for the rifle, but Discord clarified these were actually conversations between the roommate and a friend after the shooting, recounting the contents of a note left elsewhere.
Discord said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Eerie Jokes Beforehand
The alleged confession wasn’t the first time Robinson’s account surfaced in chats about the killing. According to The New York Times, he joked in a separate Discord group after the FBI released surveillance photos of the suspect.
Friends teased that the man in the images looked like him. Robinson reportedly replied that the suspect was his “doppelganger.” Another user wrote: “Tyler killed Charlie!!!!”
Authorities said those images ultimately proved critical. Robinson’s father recognized him in the photos, confronted him, and Robinson admitted the crime, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Building the Case
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the father’s role in leading to the arrest. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel said DNA evidence has directly tied the suspect to the rifle and items recovered at the scene.
Robinson is currently being held without bail at Utah County Jail. Prosecutors have not yet announced formal charges.
