Tyler Robinson admitted to shooting Charlie Kirk and apologized in group chat: 'It was me at UVU'
OREM, UTAH: Just hours before police hauled 22-year-old Tyler Robinson into custody in the deadly shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an account that law enforcement believes belonged to Robinson allegedly posted a chilling message in a Discord group chat.
A company spokesperson confirmed to CBS News that the message read, "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all."
Moments later, the same account allegedly added the line that would become central to investigators: "It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this," it said. The Washington Post first reported the messages, and CBS News later confirmed details with both Discord and law enforcement sources.
FBI arrests Tyler Robinson after two-day manhunt
The messages surfaced near the end of a nearly two-day manhunt after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at an outdoor Utah Valley University event on September 10.
The case quickly became a national story. The FBI released half a dozen surveillance photos of the suspected shooter as investigators scrambled for leads, while the public submitted tips. FBI Director Kash Patel announced Robinson’s arrest on September 11, and Utah Gov Spencer Cox said Robinson had confessed to his father.
The case sent shockwaves across the country, reigniting fears about political violence. As images spread and tips poured in, law enforcement sources told CBS News they were also monitoring activity in a Discord group that included Robinson and more than 20 other people.
FBI reviewed Discord group linked to Tyler Robinson case
According to two law enforcement sources, Robinson and his friends were trading messages in a group of more than 20 people on Discord. A company spokesperson said an internal review found "no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord."
Still, the sources said at least three friends in the chat asked Robinson directly whether he was the person in the FBI’s photos, noting the resemblance. Robinson did not appear to deny it, the sources added.
In one exchange, a friend joked that Robinson should avoid McDonald’s. It was a reference to last year’s accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione, who was reportedly caught near a fast-food restaurant with a manifesto, a rifle, and a fake ID. "Whatever you do don't go to a mcdonalds anytime soon," the friend wrote.
The account believed to be Robinson’s replied, "Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around."
Before law enforcement closed in, messages from that same account even suggested surrender. One post confirmed what friends feared: "I'm surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments, thanks for all the good times and laughs, you've all been so amazing, thank you all for everything."
Discord’s spokesperson told CBS News the platform saw those posts but maintained its probe found no evidence the site was used to plan the attack.
Utah governor says state will pursue death penalty in Tyler Robinson case
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Robinson’s father recognized him in the FBI photos and confronted him. Robinson allegedly admitted he was the person in the images. But when his father urged him to turn himself in, Robinson reportedly said he would rather die by suicide, according to the sources.
The father then called in a youth pastor to help de-escalate. That pastor, who also worked as a court security officer, contacted the US Marshals Service before Robinson was taken into custody on September 11. FBI Director Patel confirmed the arrest on September 12.
Robinson now faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction, and firearm offenses. Utah Gov Cox said the state will seek the death penalty. Christopher Ballard, chief of staff for the Utah County Attorney's Office, said Robinson is expected to make his first court appearance on September 16 after formal charges are filed.
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