By Rounak Bagchi
Copyright timesnownews
The 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk confessed to friends in an online group chat hours before he was taken into custody, according to a report by The Washington Post. “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” read a message sent from the account of the suspect, Tyler Robinson, to a small Discord chat group on Thursday night, two people familiar with the exchange told the newspaper. The message, screenshots of which were also reviewed by The Post, was sent roughly two hours before authorities announced Robinson’s arrest. Discord said it provided a copy of the confession to law enforcement and was cooperating with the FBI and local authorities investigating Robinson’s online activity. Robinson was taken into custody after a 33-hour manhunt and accused of shooting Kirk in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University hosted by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization Kirk co-founded. Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, had become one of the most prominent voices on the American right, building a national following through TPUSA’s presence on high school and college campuses. According to authorities, Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice. He is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail and is scheduled to appear virtually in court on Tuesday. Law enforcement officials had released photos and videos of the suspect during the search and appealed to the public for help in identifying him. Robinson was ultimately apprehended after a family friend provided a tip to authorities. Members of the Discord chat told The Post that about 30 people were present in the group. Robinson’s brief confession was his only message in the aftermath of the shooting. “I am surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments,” he wrote. “thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you for everything.” No one responded immediately. The following morning, one member wrote that the message appeared genuine and urged the group to “pray for Tyler and his repentance.” The same friend added: “While Charlie Kirk’s politics were not acceptable to some I ask that we all say a prayer for him and his family during these confusing times.” Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.
