UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested late Thursday night on suspicion of fatally shooting right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during a live debate at Utah Valley University. Just hours after the tragic incident, disturbing messages from Robinson emerged, revealing sick jokes in a private Discord chat.
The shooting occurred during Kirk’s viral “Prove Me Wrong” debate on July 12, 2023. Robinson, identified as the prime suspect, reportedly made light of the situation in a chat group, stating, “My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble,” just around 1 PM local time the day after the shooting.
According to new reports from the New York Times, Robinson mocked the ongoing FBI investigation, joking about the possibility of collecting $100,000 in reward money. The FBI had previously released CCTV images of a man in a cap and sunglasses, appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the shooter.
In messages shared among approximately 20 participants, Robinson’s comments took a dark turn. One user quipped, “Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” to which Robinson calmly replied. Another user suggested turning Robinson in for the reward, to which he responded, “Only if I get a cut.”
The chilling exchanges continued, with Robinson joking about having a “manifesto” and a “copy rifle” on hand. He even claimed, “I’m actually Charlie Kirk. Wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death.”
As the details of the shooting spread globally, Robinson appeared to follow the media coverage closely. He expressed skepticism about unverified claims regarding the ammunition used, highlighting his awareness of the unfolding situation.
The aftermath of the shooting has prompted strong reactions. One chat member remarked, “Our governor wants to give him the death penalty dude,” illustrating the public outrage and urgency surrounding the case.
Robinson’s father reportedly turned him in to authorities, leading to his swift arrest later that night. The shocking nature of the crime and Robinson’s subsequent behavior raises significant questions about the motivations behind the attack and the state of political discourse in the U.S.
The FBI continues to investigate this case, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they seek to understand the full context of this tragic event.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
