As authorities frantically searched for the assassin of Charlie Kirk following last week’s tragic event at Utah Valley University, the 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, was confessing to his romantic partner via text messages, according to recently unsealed court documents.
Investigators state that on September 10, 2025, Mr. Robinson fired a single, fatal shot from a building rooftop, striking Kirk while he addressed approximately 3,000 attendees at an outdoor venue.
Following the shooting, prosecutors reveal that Robinson exchanged texts with his partner, with whom he shared a home near St. George, Utah, roughly 387 kilometers southwest of the campus. He instructed his partner to check under his keyboard at their residence, where a note was discovered stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” After the partner expressed shock, they asked Robinson if he was the shooter, to which he replied, “I am, I’m sorry.”
The partner apparently did not immediately contact law enforcement with this crucial information. Robinson remained at large until the following night when his parents recognized him in a photo disseminated by authorities during their search for the shooter. They subsequently facilitated his peaceful surrender.
The charging documents, made public on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, detail the shooting narrative but do not name Robinson’s partner. Robinson has been charged with capital murder and other offenses, potentially facing the death penalty.
Law enforcement officials are currently investigating whether anyone else was aware of or assisted Mr. Robinson in the assassination. While they haven’t confirmed if the partner is under investigation, they have publicly acknowledged the partner’s cooperation in sharing information.
Prosecutors allege that Mr. Robinson used a bolt-action rifle, identified as his grandfather’s, to shoot Kirk in the neck on the Orem campus, approximately 64 kilometers south of Salt Lake City. DNA evidence matching Mr. Robinson was found on the rifle’s trigger, as confirmed by Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.
Mr. Robinson made a brief court appearance via video from jail on Tuesday, September 16. He mostly stared ahead as the judge read the charges and appointed legal representation. His family has refrained from commenting to the media since his arrest.
Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was a prominent conservative political figure, lauded for mobilizing the Republican youth movement and playing a role in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory. He built a substantial following through social media, his podcast, and campus appearances where he engaged in open debate on various topics.
Was Charlie Kirk targeted over anti-transgender views?
While authorities have not yet pinpointed a definitive motive for the shooting, Mr. Gray revealed that Robinson texted his partner, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
The prosecutor also stated that the suspect indicated he had spent over a week planning the attack on Kirk, though specifics of this planning have not been disclosed by authorities.
Mr. Gray declined to confirm whether Robinson targeted Kirk due to his anti-transgender stance, simply stating, “That is for a jury to decide.” Notably, Kirk was shot while addressing a question that touched upon mass shootings, gun violence, and transgender individuals.
Robinson was reportedly in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who investigators describe as transgender.
Parents said their son became more political
Although Mr. Robinson has not cooperated with investigators, his family and friends have provided valuable information.
His mother informed investigators that over the past year, her son had shifted significantly to the left politically, becoming a strong advocate for gay and transgender rights, according to Mr. Gray.
These evolving views led to numerous discussions within the household, particularly between Mr. Robinson and his father. Their differing political opinions were evident, with Mr. Robinson telling his partner in a text that his father had become a “diehard MAGA” supporter since President Donald Trump’s election.
Mr. Robinson’s mother identified him from a public photo released by authorities. Upon being confronted by his parents, he expressed suicidal thoughts, Mr. Gray stated.
The family convinced him to meet with a retired sheriff’s deputy, a family friend, who then facilitated Mr. Robinson’s peaceful surrender. He was arrested on the evening of Thursday, September 11, 2025, near St. George, his hometown.
Suspect detailed movements after the shooting
In text messages with his partner, released by authorities, Mr. Robinson discussed plans to retrieve his rifle from a “drop point,” but noted that the area was “locked down.”
He later texted: “I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don’t wanna chance it.” The court documents did not include timestamps for these texts, leaving the exact timing relative to the shooting unclear.
In another text to his partner, Mr. Robinson wrote, “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Prosecutor says suspect told partner to delete texts
Mr. Gray stated that Robinson discarded the rifle and clothing and asked his roommate to conceal evidence.
Robinson faces additional charges including felony discharge of a firearm, which carries a potential life sentence, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
He was also charged with witness tampering for instructing his partner to delete their text messages and to remain silent if questioned by police, Mr. Gray added.
Kash Patel says investigators will look at everyone
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Tuesday, September 16, that agents are investigating “anyone and everyone” involved in a Discord gaming chatroom with Mr. Robinson, noting that the chatroom included “a lot more” than 20 people. This was revealed during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington.
The charges filed Tuesday include two enhancements: committing crimes in the presence of or near children, and carrying out violence based on the victim’s political beliefs.
Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative politics, grew close to President Donald Trump after establishing Turning Point USA, one of the nation’s largest political organizations. He was instrumental in engaging young, conservative evangelical Christians in politics.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination, Americans are grappling with unsettling questions about escalating political violence, the profound societal divisions, and the possibility of change.
Despite calls for greater civility, some individuals who opposed Kirk’s controversial remarks on gender, race, and politics criticized him even after his death. Many Republicans have advocated for sanctions against those they believe disrespected him, leading to job losses or other workplace repercussions for public and private sector employees.