Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, admitted to the crime in disturbing text messages sent to his partner, prosecutors revealed on Tuesday, September 16.
Court documents show that Robinson reached out to his partner, Lance Twiggs, less than three hours after the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem. Police say Twiggs is a transgender woman in the process of transitioning. Robinson told Twiggs to look under his computer keyboard, where investigators later found a handwritten note detailing his plan.
The note reportedly said: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Prosecutors also released text messages where Robinson admitted to being responsible for the shooting and explained how he prepared and tried to escape.
In one message, Robinson wrote: “I am still ok my love, but am 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. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Twiggs replied: “You weren’t the one who did it right????”
Robinson responded: “I am, I’m sorry.”
Robinson confessed that he planned the killing for more than a week. He used his grandfather’s scoped .30-06 hunting rifle, which he later hid in bushes after changing clothes. He also panicked about whether police would recover the weapon.
In another text, Robinson worried about his father’s reaction: “I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle … how the f— will I explain losing it to my old man.”
Prosecutors said Robinson’s father was a strong supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump and had even asked his son to send photos of the rifle. That same gun was later confirmed by police as the murder weapon.
The texts showed Robinson shifting between anger and regret. At one point, he wrote: “I had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” But later, he tried to comfort Twiggs, saying: “You are all I worry about, love.”
Twiggs at first thought Robinson was joking but later realized he was serious. She immediately cooperated with investigators. Prosecutors confirmed that Twiggs has not been charged with any crime.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was the founder of Turning Point USA and a well-known voice in the MAGA movement. He was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd during his American Comeback Tour. Kirk leaves behind his wife and two young children.
Former President Donald Trump has demanded the death penalty for Robinson. He also accompanied Kirk’s body back to Arizona with Vice President JD Vance aboard Air Force Two. Kirk’s funeral will take place on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Robinson now faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors in Utah have confirmed they will seek the death penalty, which may include execution by firing squad if he is found guilty.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stressed that the state will deliver the toughest punishment possible. He said: “To whoever did this, we will find you. We will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law. I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty in the state of Utah.”
