Just hours before police arrested him, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson reportedly confessed in a Discord message to fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Authorities say the chilling message — “Hey guys, I have bad news… it was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this” — may become a key piece of evidence. It was shared in a private group chat shortly before Robinson was taken into custody, 33 hours after the shooting.
Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to over 3,000 attendees at a Turning Point USA event. He later died in hospital, prompting a national manhunt. Investigators say a tip from someone close to Robinson led to his arrest.
Within the Discord group, messages shifted from jokes to what now appears to be a confession. When users teased Robinson, writing “Tyler killed Charlie!!!,” he didn’t deny it — and even referenced hiding a “manifesto” and rifle. He later posted, “im surrendering through a sheriff friend… thanks for all the good times.”
Discord says there’s no evidence the attack was planned or coordinated on the platform.
Robinson, described by neighbors as polite and well-mannered, grew up in a Republican household in St. George, Utah. The motive remains unclear. Authorities say Robinson admitted his involvement to his father, who helped initiate his surrender after fearing his son might take his own life.
Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said the state will seek the death penalty and added that while Robinson hasn’t confessed to authorities, those around him are cooperating.
One message from the chat, now part of the investigation, showed Robinson joking about the $1.15 million reward: “Only if I get a cut.”