Alleged text messages sent between accused shooter Tyler Robinson and his roommate reveal a potential motive for the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk.
During a Tuesday, September 16, press conference, prosecutors shared details of the official charging documents in the case against Robinson, 22, detailing messages they allege were sent between Robinson’s unnamed roommate and the accused after Kirk was shot and killed on September 10.
According to the charging documents, the roommate claimed to receive a text message from Robinson the day of Kirk’s death that allegedly read, “Drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.”
After looking under the device, the roommate found a note that appeared to be from Robinson.
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” the alleged note read.
The roommate subsequently replied to Robinson via text, per prosecutors, asking if he was “joking.”
“I am still OK my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet,” Robinson allegedly replied. “Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
The roommate asked Robinson, “You weren’t the one who did it right?” to which Robinson allegedly confessed, “I am, I’m sorry.” When asked by his roommate why he did it, Robinson shared his alleged motive.
“I had enough of his hate,” he allegedly wrote. “Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Kirk was shot and killed during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. He was 31.
Two persons of interest were initially taken into custody and later released. On September 12, law enforcement announced that Robinson turned himself in to authorities and was suspected of being the shooter.
Prior to his arrest, Robinson’s mother saw a photo of the person suspected to be the shooter released by the FBI and thought it looked like her son, per the press conference. She called Robinson and asked him where he was. Robinson claimed he was sick and at home on both September 11 and September 10, the day of the shooting.
According to the press conference, Robinson’s mom acknowledged that her son had become more “pro-gay and trans rights-oriented” after he started dating his roommate, who is reportedly transitioning.
Robinson’s mother spoke to his father, who also thought the suspected shooter looked like their son. Robinson’s father also recognized the alleged murder weapon, which he believed looked like a rifle his son had received as a gift. Robinson’s dad called him and allegedly implied to his father that he was the shooter and he just “wanted to end it.”
Before answering the call from his father, Robinson allegedly texted his roommate that his dad “has been pretty die-hard MAGA” since President Donald Trump took office. Robinson then told his roommate he was going to turn himself in “willingly” and allegedly told him to delete their messages.
Robinson has been charged with capital offense aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm. He was also facing multiple counts of obstruction of justice, witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. He will continue to be held without bail in the Utah county jail.
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