Charlie Kirk's alleged shooter Tyler Robinson met police near rifle drop point: Sources

OREM, UTAH: Tyler Robinson, 22, accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this month, reportedly made contact with police near the site where investigators later recovered the alleged murder weapon.

The incident occurred hours after Kirk was shot during a speaking event in Orem, Utah.

Tyler Robinson was spotted near Utah Valley University during police lockdown

Two law enforcement sources told Fox News that Tyler Robinson “made contact” with a police officer around 6:30 pm on September 10, roughly six hours after the shooting, near the location where he had dropped the rifle.

The officer was guarding the campus perimeter after authorities locked down the area.

Investigators believe Robinson’s attempt to recover the Mauser .30-06 rifle, allegedly used in the shooting, was blocked by the police presence.

Robinson eventually surrendered to authorities in southern Utah 33 hours after the attack, after his parents and a family friend persuaded him to turn himself in rather than harm himself.

Text messages reveal Tyler Robinson planned to retrieve rifle

Prosecutors released excerpts of text messages Robinson allegedly sent to his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, on the evening of September 10.

In one exchange, Robinson allegedly wrote, “I am, I’m sorry,” after Twiggs asked, “You weren’t the one who did it right????”

He also allegedly said, “I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. It’s quiet, almost enough to get out, but there’s one vehicle lingering,” according to court documents.

Robinson allegedly told Twiggs, “I’m stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still.”

He also wrote, “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you,” according to prosecutors. 

Tyler Robinson’s note to Lance Twiggs

Authorities said Twiggs discovered and photographed a note left by Robinson that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”

The messages also suggested Robinson was worried about recovering the rifle and his family’s property. He allegedly wrote, “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 grandpa’s rifle.”

Robinson surrendered in southern Utah 33 hours after the shooting, after family members and a friend convinced him to give himself up.