Federal investigators revealed new details Monday about the case against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including alleged text and Discord messages in which Robinson appeared to admit to the killing before his arrest.
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News' Sean Hannity that investigators had seized "multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We've got computers, we've got laptops, gaming systems, cell phones," Patel said, adding that agents were combing through Discord chats and other communications.
Patel said the recovered evidence included a text exchange in which Robinson "specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that." When asked about motive, Patel said Robinson told someone that "some hatred cannot be negotiated with."
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appearing alongside Patel, said prosecutors in Utah are preparing to charge Robinson with first-degree murder, with an indictment expected "tomorrow or this week." Bondi added that Utah's governor has expressed interest in pursuing capital punishment. "It's too soon right now, legally to say, but I think the governor has said that they want to seek the death penalty, which is very real in Utah, and they still have the firing squad in Utah," she told Hannity.
Federal prosecutors are also reviewing the case. "We, as federal prosecutors, we'll look to see if we have federal charges as well," Bondi said. "And of course, if we do, we will also indict and work hand in hand with the state to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law."
Discord confirmed to CBS News that an account allegedly belonging to Robinson posted a message to a group chat shortly before his arrest that read: "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this." According to law enforcement sources, at least three friends confronted Robinson in the chat after the FBI released surveillance images, and he did not deny being the shooter.
In one exchange, a friend joked that Robinson should avoid McDonald's, referencing a past case involving another suspect's arrest. Robinson allegedly replied: "Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around." A separate message suggested Robinson planned to surrender: "im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments, thanks for all the good times and laughs."
Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday after a two-day manhunt. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson confessed to his father, who then contacted a youth pastor to help convince his son to surrender. Robinson now faces aggravated murder, obstruction, and firearm charges, and is expected to make his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon.
