FBI Provides New Details Regarding Suspected Charlie Kirk Assassin

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox revealed Friday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect accused of assassinating conservative leader Charlie Kirk, left behind chilling online messages discussing hiding a rifle, wrapping it in a towel, and even “engraving bullets.”

Speaking at a press conference, Cox said Robinson’s own roommate provided screenshots to investigators that appeared to show Robinson describing where the rifle was stashed and how he would monitor the spot. Some messages also referenced changing outfits and joking about the weapon.

Law enforcement later recovered a Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope, wrapped in a dark towel, in a wooded area near Utah Valley University — where Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday during a campus event.

“The recovery of the rifle confirmed key details shared by the roommate,” Cox said.

Discord, the platform where the posts allegedly appeared, quickly pushed back, saying Robinson’s account showed no evidence of violent plotting. Instead, the company claimed the roommate was relaying details from a note Robinson had left elsewhere.

Still, the revelations point to premeditation — and underscore the growing concern over politically radicalized young men carrying out acts of violence against conservatives.

Trump Calls for Death Penalty

President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, reacted to Robinson’s capture Friday morning on Fox & Friends.

“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump said, confirming Robinson had been turned in by his own father after the FBI released photos.

“I hope he’s gonna be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did,” Trump added.

Robinson remains in custody without bail at the Utah County Jail. He is expected to face charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. In Utah, aggravated murder carries the possibility of execution.

“Blended In Well”

Officials said Robinson had no prior criminal record and was described by Utah’s Public Safety Commissioner as someone who “blended in well with the college institution.” His family acknowledged he had “become more political in recent years.”

Robinson’s mother, a University of Utah graduate and social worker, previously posted photos of her son on Facebook, including a 2021 visit to Utah State University.

As the investigation continues, Utah leaders confirmed Robinson acted alone. Memorial details for Kirk — husband, father of two, and founder of Turning Point USA — have not yet been announced.