Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly confessed to his romantic partner in a series of text messages that prosecutors say reveal his planning, motive and fears in the aftermath of the shooting. The exchanges, released in court documents, show Robinson grappling with what to do about the rifle he used, a weapon tied to his grandfather, and expressing deep concern over the consequences of losing it.In one of the most disturbing passages, Robinson 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 … idek if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me. I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with. … I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. How the f___ will I explain losing it to my old man.”
Rifle left behind, DNA on the trigger
According to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, investigators later found Robinson’s DNA on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle believed to have been used to fatally shoot Kirk in the neck at Utah Valley University on September 10. The rifle was reportedly a family heirloom, and Robinson told his partner in messages that it had been wrapped in a towel and abandoned near the scene.Robinson added: “Only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel … judging from today I’d say grandpa’s gun does just fine idk. I think that was a $2k scope ;-;”The prosecution alleges that Robinson attempted to distance himself from the weapon while simultaneously worrying about the fallout within his own family. His father had pressed him for photos of the gun, saying his grandfather wanted to know who had what, after federal agents released images of the rifle. Robinson avoided answering calls.Prosecutors say Robinson also asked his partner to delete messages and refuse to cooperate with police. “Don’t talk to the media please. Don’t take any interviews or make any comments … if any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent,” he wrote.
Confession to partner and arrest
Court records show Robinson had texted: “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.” When his partner asked whether he was joking, Robinson replied: “I am, I’m sorry.” He added that he had been planning the attack “a bit over a week”.The texts also reveal a political and personal divide within Robinson’s family. He described his father as a “diehard MAGA” supporter since Donald Trump’s election, while Robinson himself had moved towards supporting gay and transgender rights. His partner, described as transgender, has been cooperating with investigators.Robinson was arrested 33 hours after the shooting, following a standoff with his parents, who had recognised him from photos released by authorities. Prosecutors have charged him with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering, and have filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty.Gray told reporters: “The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy.”
