SAEDNEWS: Prosecutors allege that Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, left a chilling hidden note to his roommate confessing to the crime, alongside damning text messages and DNA evidence.
The investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk took a stunning turn this week, as prosecutors unveiled a hidden note and text messages that appear to contain a direct confession from the alleged gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22.
According to Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray, Robinson left a message under his keyboard for his roommate — described as both a close partner and a romantic companion — that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”
Mr. Gray told reporters that Robinson had instructed his roommate via text to “drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.” When the roommate found the note, shock followed. The roommate’s reply — “What?????????????? You’re joking, right????” — captured the disbelief.
Authorities later revealed that the roommate, who is transgender and transitioning, engaged in a long series of texts with Robinson. In one exchange, the accused allegedly wrote: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
The case also took dramatic turns inside Robinson’s family. His mother saw surveillance footage circulated after the shooting and told her husband she feared the suspect resembled their son.
Confrontations followed. His parents challenged him, with the suspect at one point threatening suicide rather than face jail. With the help of a retired sheriff’s deputy, they convinced him to surrender after a tense 33-hour manhunt.
At a press conference, prosecutors revealed a trove of evidence they say links Robinson to the rooftop shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was struck in the neck by a single bullet while answering a question about mass shootings.
Among the most damning evidence was DNA allegedly found on the rifle trigger and Robinson’s own digital trail. Prosecutors also disclosed text messages in which Robinson described trying to retrieve the hidden weapon after the attack, only to be thwarted by police presence.
Robinson has been charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors confirmed they will seek the death penalty.
He appeared remotely in court for the first time Tuesday. Although the prosecutor acknowledged Robinson remains innocent until proven guilty, the combination of the hidden note, DNA evidence, and testimony from his parents and roommate form what could be a powerful case for the jury.
Mr. Gray refused to speculate whether Kirk’s views on transgender issues motivated the attack. Kirk, who was known for sharp criticism of LGBTQ+ rights, was ironically answering a question about mass shootings by transgender individuals when the fatal bullet struck him.
For prosecutors, however, the case may rest less on motive and more on the mounting body of evidence. As Mr. Gray summarized: “This is ultimately for a jury to decide.”
