Suspect Left Note Saying He Planned To Attack Kirk, Later Confessed In Texts

The man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has been formally charged with murder, as prosecutors laid out chilling evidence of premeditation and ideological hatred.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced Tuesday that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle that killed Kirk during his Sept. 10 speech at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors say Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.

Among the most disturbing evidence presented was a handwritten note Robinson left for his partner, hidden under a keyboard, that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” Gray confirmed that Robinson also texted his partner about his plans, boasting that he had been plotting the attack for more than a week.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Gray told reporters.

Kirk, 31, was widely credited with energizing the conservative youth movement and playing a pivotal role in helping President Donald J. Trump win back the White House in 2024. His assassination has been described by investigators as a politically motivated attack.

Utah’s Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said the evidence paints a clear picture of Robinson’s “mindset and obsession” with Kirk.

The FBI confirmed that Robinson harbored a “rabid obsession” with the conservative leader. Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News that Robinson frequently vowed to “take out” Kirk because he hated his politics and bragged about having devised “the perfect murder plan.”

“I think it’s pretty clear based on the statements of family members, friends, and some of the messaging we have … that [Robinson] clearly had some obsession with Charlie Kirk,” Bongino said. “This was an ideologically motivated attack.”

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that Robinson not only confessed in digital communications but even told others of his plan before carrying it out.

“He had a text message exchange … in which he claimed that he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk — and he was going to do it because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for,” Patel told Fox & Friends.

Patel added that forensic evidence confirmed the existence of the handwritten note and tied Robinson to the weapon through DNA found on a towel wrapped around the rifle and a screwdriver used to modify it.

The day after the assassination, Robinson reportedly admitted responsibility in a Discord group chat with more than 20 members. According to screenshots reviewed by The Washington Post, Robinson wrote: “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this. … I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. Thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you all for everything.”

Robinson is being held without bail as state prosecutors pursue a first-degree murder indictment. Utah Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Spencer Cox have both signaled support for seeking the death penalty, which under state law may still be carried out by firing squad.