The tragic murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a public event held at Utah Valley University in Orem has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about public safety. The man charged with this heinous crime, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly confessed to his roommate through a series of incriminating text messages on the day of the shooting, according to court documents filed by Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray.
In a text exchange dated September 10, the same day as the shooting, Robinson’s roommate questioned him about the incident. Robinson instructed his roommate to stop what he was doing and look under the keyboard in their shared apartment located in St. George, southwestern Utah. Upon doing so, the roommate found a note that read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." Authorities later confirmed they had a photo of this note, although it remains unclear if the original document was preserved.
As the investigation unfolded, Robinson expressed that he was "stuck in Orem for a little while longer," and indicated in his messages a need to retrieve his rifle. "Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still," he texted. The bolt-action rifle, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, was later discovered concealed in a towel in a wooded area near the university campus.
Robinson allegedly confessed in the text that he had hoped to keep his actions a secret until his death. When asked if he was the shooter, he replied, "I am, I'm sorry." His roommate initially questioned whether Robinson had been apprehended, to which Robinson responded that authorities had arrested an unrelated suspect. This included an individual named George Zinn, who was charged with obstruction of justice for falsely claiming to be the shooter. However, law enforcement clarified that there was no evidence suggesting Zinn had colluded with Robinson.
In the text messages, Robinson articulated his motivations, stating, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out." He expressed worry over retrieving his grandfather’s rifle, fearing repercussions from his father if he failed to do so. "I worry about prints. I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits," Robinson wrote, indicating his concern about law enforcement tracing the weapon back to him.
Robinson allegedly planned the attack for "a bit over a week," according to the court documents. He urged his roommate to delete their conversation and avoid media interactions, later indicating his intention to turn himself in willingly. Following the release of surveillance images of the shooting, Robinson's parents recognized him and were instrumental in convincing him to return to their St. George home, where he ultimately surrendered to authorities on September 12.
Robinson is now facing serious charges, including one count of aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm, alongside two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. He is also charged with a misdemeanor for committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Following his initial court appearance, the state of Utah announced its intention to seek the death penalty in this case.
The community remains in shock as more details about the case emerge. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with Robinson's roommate cooperating with authorities. As this case unfolds, the implications of this tragic event raise significant questions about safety and the impact of political violence in public spaces.
