Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect Allegedly Confessed to Murder in Discord Chat

Charlie Kirk speaking at the "American Comeback Tour" at Landis Green in Tallahassee, Florida. February 28 2025

Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect Allegedly Confessed to Murder in Discord Chat

The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly confessed to the killing in a Discord group chat, according to reports.

Tyler James Robinson, 22, is expected to be formally charged Tuesday with aggravated murder and other felonies after the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10.

Two people familiar with the Discord messages told The Washington Post that Robinson wrote in a private group chat: “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday.” The revelation comes as investigators continue to search for a clear motive in the case.

A Fatal Attack in Utah

Kirk, 31, the co-founder of conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, was shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor event on UVU’s campus. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly afterwards.

Authorities say Robinson surrendered on September 11 after his father recognised him in photographs released by police and persuaded him to turn himself in. At the time, Robinson allegedly refused to cooperate with investigators and did not explain the attack.

Political Fallout and Online Radicalisation

Officials have suggested Robinson may have been radicalised online and held extreme left-wing views. President Trump claimed the suspect was “radicalised on the internet” and described the shooting as politically motivated, though authorities have yet to confirm any organised ties.

Vice President JD Vance, filling in as host of Kirk’s podcast following his death, said the killing underscored the dangers of political extremism. Meanwhile, Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson first confessed to his father before agreeing to surrender.

Discord Response and Ongoing Investigation

Discord, the social platform where the alleged confession appeared, said its internal review found “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.” However, law enforcement sources told CBS News that Robinson and his friends had “bantered” about the killing in chats before his arrest.

Federal investigators are now reviewing Robinson’s electronic devices and social media history, examining whether anyone in his online circles had prior knowledge of the shooting. FBI Co-Deputy Director Dan Bongino described Robinson as “obsessed” with Kirk and said the suspect showed “multiple warning signs.”

Robinson is expected to make his first court appearance later today, with prosecutors set to announce charges in a press conference. Additional federal charges may be filed in the coming days.

— Written and reported by Orbital News
Sources: Charlie Kirk "American Comeback Tour", FBI Investigation, Utah law enforcement.