UPDATE: Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Charlie Kirk, with the shocking events unfolding in real-time. The arrest follows disturbing exchanges in a Discord chat where Robinson made light of the situation just hours after Kirk’s death.
Authorities launched a manhunt for the suspected gunman on July 12, 2023, after Kirk’s assassination on the Utah Valley University campus. Surveillance footage captured a young man in a cap and sunglasses, but police had little else to work with. As the search intensified, Robinson’s Discord comments raised eyebrows and alarm.
Shortly after the shooting, an acquaintance messaged Robinson with a photograph of the suspect and the acronym “wya,” meaning “where you at,” accompanied by a skull emoji. Robinson responded almost immediately, jokingly claiming the man was his “doppelganger” trying to “get me in trouble.” The exchange occurred around 1 p.m. local time the day after Kirk’s death, revealing a troubling mindset.
“Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” another user sarcastically commented, reflecting the disbelief and horror among participants in the chat.
It took police approximately 36 hours to apprehend Robinson, who was later arrested in Southwestern Utah. According to a report by The New York Times, he was encouraged within the chat to turn himself in, which he did on July 14.
The Discord messages, shared by a high school acquaintance of Robinson, provide chilling insight into his demeanor following the shooting. The individual, who chose to remain anonymous due to fear of harassment, revealed that the group chat included about 20 people and highlighted troubling jokes made by Robinson.
After another user joked about claiming a $100,000 reward from the FBI for turning him in, Robinson responded, “Only if I get a cut,” further illustrating the casual attitude he displayed concerning the gravity of the situation.
Robinson’s comments escalated with dark humor, including a reference to a supposed manifesto and a rifle, which he claimed were “lying around.” Following his arrest, disbelief permeated the chat, with one user noting, “Our governor wants to give him the death penalty, dude,” while another expressed, “I truly cannot distinguish if this is for real.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have not yet established a clear motive for the shooting. An affidavit revealed that Robinson had discussed Kirk’s event with family members, expressing negative sentiments towards him. This has led to intense speculation and debate regarding the political implications surrounding Kirk’s death.
Robinson is expected to face formal charges on July 18, 2023, but it remains unclear if he has secured legal counsel. The case has drawn national attention, raising questions about the impact of political rhetoric and the growing trend of violence associated with it.
The situation is developing rapidly, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. This tragic event not only claims a life but also raises significant concerns about safety and the consequences of online discourse.
