Tyler Robinson’s alleged attempt to recover the firearm used in the shooting of Charlie Kirk was disrupted when he encountered a police officer, according to Fox News.
Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, has been arrested and charged with the murder of the Turning Point USA founder. Kirk, 31, was attending an event at Utah Valley University on September 10 when he was fatally shot. He later died from his injuries.
Two law enforcement officials told the outlet that Robinson came into contact with a police officer near the location where investigators had found the alleged murder weapon. Authorities said the gun, wrapped in a towel, had been hidden in the woods at the edge of the campus.
Robinson reportedly crossed paths with the officer around 6:30 p.m. on September 10—roughly six hours after Kirk was struck by a sniper’s bullet. The campus was under lockdown, and the officer was stationed along the perimeter.
According to Fox News, the encounter disrupted Robinson’s plans to retrieve the Mauser .30-06 rifle, which prosecutors claim was the weapon used in Kirk’s killing.
Prosecutors also released excerpts of text messages between Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs, that show Robinson intended to recover the rifle before returning home.
“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,” Robinson wrote in one message.
In another, he explained: “I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. Its (sic) quiet, almost enough to get out, but there’s (sic) one vehicle lingering.” He added, “There is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don’t wanna chance it.”
Later, Robinson admitted: “I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle… I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas (sic) rifle.”
Robinson surrendered to authorities 33 hours after Kirk was killed.
