Tyler Robinson allegedly sent casual Discord messages referencing the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk roughly 80 minutes after the attack at Utah Valley University. Sources say Robinson had been exchanging ordinary messages earlier that morning before traveling to the campus, where Kirk was shot and later died. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses; prosecutors say they intend to seek the death penalty. He remains in custody and has not entered a plea.
Tyler Robinson Allegedly Sent Casual Discord Messages About Charlie Kirk Shooting About 80 Minutes After Attack
Rick Egan-Pool/Getty
Tyler Robinson allegedly sent casual online messages referencing the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk roughly 80 minutes after the attack at Utah Valley University, according to reporting by The Washington Post and other outlets.
Timeline Of Alleged Messages And Events
Authorities say Robinson had been exchanging routine messages with a friend on Discord earlier the morning of the shooting, even sharing the results of an online word-puzzle game. Investigators allege he later traveled to the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, where Kirk was scheduled to speak at an outdoor Turning Point USA event.
Kirk was shot during the appearance and later died from his injuries.
Utah County Sheriff's Office
About 80 minutes after the shooting, Robinson allegedly messaged the same friend on Discord, writing,
"you see this news?????"In follow-up messages reviewed by The Washington Post, he is reported to have written,
"utah gets a national headline for the first time in a while and it’s someone sliming charlie kirk,"then,
"no like an hour ago,"and,
"he’s reported dead, and the footage looks BAD."
Later that day, Robinson allegedly joined a Discord voice chat with two friends and asked whether they knew about the shooting. One friend, speaking to the Post on the condition of anonymity, recalled Robinson saying,
"He got hit pretty bad,"and adding,
"I’m pretty sure he’s dead."
Arrest, Charges And Court Proceedings
Law enforcement officials allege Robinson fled the scene after the shooting and was later arrested after a family member contacted police. He has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses. As of Dec. 17, Robinson had not entered a plea.
Rick Egan-Pool/Getty
Robinson made his first in-person court appearance on Dec. 11, where lawyers debated whether media may film upcoming proceedings and what case information should be publicly available. Prosecutors have announced they intend to seek the death penalty.
The Washington Post later reached Robinson by video call at the Utah County Jail, where he is being held. He reportedly declined to answer questions, saying, "I can’t answer any questions," and asked that future communications be limited to writing. His attorneys declined to comment.
Reporting Notes: This account compiles details from The Washington Post’s review of digital communications and corroborating interviews, as well as reporting from PEOPLE and local authorities. All allegations remain subject to legal process.
Sources: The Washington Post; PEOPLE; Utah County Sheriff's Office.
