'I'd rather kill myself than turn myself in': Tyler Robinson told dad who recognized son from FBI pics
OREM, UTAH: Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man who shot Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, September 10, at Utah Valley University, told his father that he would "rather kill myself than turn myself in" after his dad recognized him through FBI photos.
The manhunt for the suspect began after his visuals were seen on CCTV footage from the college campus, and the FBI posted it across its social media pages, announcing that whoever helped in his arrest would be rewarded.
Tyler Robinson's father saw photos and video footage released by authorities
Like several other Americans captivated by the manhunt for Charlie Kirk's shooter, Tyler Robinson's father had seen the photos and video footage of the suspect released by authorities.
The suspect in the pictures, dressed in a black T-shirt with an eagle and American flag, was seen jumping off the roof of a Utah university building after the shooting and running into a wooded area.
The person's face was partially concealed by a dark pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap.
The FBI continues to work alongside our law enforcement partners to seek justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. We are releasing additional photos of a person of interest. Information about this developing investigation can be found… pic.twitter.com/woZacCxYgE
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 12, 2025
However, Robinson's father recognized him and asked his son, "Tyler, is this you? This looks like you," as per a law enforcement official who briefed on the investigation.
The official told CNN that Tyler confessed to his father that he had shot Kirk.
Robinson told his father, "I would rather kill myself than turn myself in," when his father told him to turn himself in to the authorities, the source revealed.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed writings on bullet casings of Charlie Kirk's killer, Tyler Robinson:
— CapitolModerate (@CapitolModerate) September 12, 2025
- Notices bulges, OWO what's this?
- Hey Fascist! Catch!
- Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
- If you read this you are gay LMAO#CharlieKirk #TylerRobinson pic.twitter.com/bi3eghpBG4
Following this, Tyler's father persuaded his son to confide in a youth pastor who works with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the US Marshal’s Service, the law enforcement source told the outlet.
Ultimately, a family friend contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which is over three hours away from the shooting scene in Orem, Utah.
The office informed the authorities in Utah County and the FBI. This led to Robinson's arrest on Friday, September 12.
Discord denies claims Tyler Robinson used platform for planning
During Friday's press conference, authorities revealed that Tyler Robinson's roommate had shown them messages from Tyler's account connected to Kirk's assassination after his family turned him in.
However, Discord issued a statement and denied its role in the 22-year-old suspect's alleged actions, even as Utah investigators continue reviewing his digital and personal history.
"In the course of our investigation, we identified a Discord account associated with the suspect, but have found no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord," a Discord spokesperson told TMZ.
The company added, "The messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details do not appear to be Discord messages."
"These were communications between the suspect's roommate and a friend after the shooting, where the roommate was recounting the contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere," the statement added.
Meanwhile, Discord confirmed that Tyler Robinson’s account has since been removed.
