Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly sent online messages referencing the attack about 80 minutes after it happened.
According to authorities, Robinson had spent part of that morning exchanging routine Discord messages with a friend, including sharing results from an online word puzzle game. Investigators allege he later traveled to the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, where Kirk was scheduled to speak at an outdoor Turning Point USA event.
Kirk was shot during the appearance and later died from his injuries.
Roughly 80 minutes after the shooting, Robinson allegedly messaged the same friend on Discord, writing: “you see this news?????”
In additional messages reviewed by The Washington Post, Robinson allegedly wrote: “utah gets a national headline for the first time in a while and it’s someone sliming charlie kirk,” followed by: “no like an hour ago,” and: “he’s reported dead, and the footage looks BAD,” the outlet reported.
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Later that day, Robinson joined a Discord voice chat with two other friends and asked whether they knew about the shooting, The Washington Post reported. One friend recalled Robinson saying, “He got hit pretty bad,” and adding, “I’m pretty sure he’s dead,” according to the outlet. The friends spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Authorities allege Robinson fled after the shooting and was later arrested after a family member contacted law enforcement. He has been charged with aggravated murder and additional offenses, and had not entered a plea as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.
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Robinson made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 11. During the hearing, lawyers debated whether media should be allowed to film upcoming proceedings and how much case information should be publicly accessible.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
The Washington Post also reported it later reached Robinson by video call at the Utah County Jail, where he is being held. Robinson allegedly declined to answer questions, saying, “I can’t answer any questions,” and later asked that communication be limited to writing. His attorneys declined to comment.
