Washington: Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly admitted to the shooting through a series of text messages sent to his transgender partner, according to court filings.

 

Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot once in the neck with a rifle while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University last week.

 

Robinson was arrested a day after the attack and has since appeared in a Utah court on murder charges in a case that has drawn strong reactions from former President Donald Trump and his supporters, who argue that the incident reflects rising political violence against conservatives.

 

Investigators have not officially determined a motive. However, court documents reveal that Robinson texted his partner, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

 

Authorities said Robinson had been in a relationship with his roommate, a transgender male transitioning to female. According to filings, Robinson admitted to planning the crime for over a week. A handwritten note was also recovered in which he wrote, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

 

When confronted by his partner, Robinson acknowledged responsibility, replying, “I am, I’m sorry.” He also attempted to reassure his partner while asking them to remain silent if approached by police.

 

Transcript excerpts from the alleged messages include:

 

Robinson telling his partner that police had initially detained “some crazy old dude” while he struggled to retrieve the rifle he had left behind.

 

Explaining that he had hidden the weapon wrapped in a towel in a bush after changing clothes, and expressing fear that his father would demand answers if the firearm, said to belong to his grandfather, was lost.

 

Admitting he had been preparing the act for “a bit over a week.”

 

Urging his partner to delete their exchange and avoid speaking with investigators or the media.

 

 

Robinson eventually told his partner he would turn himself in voluntarily, saying that a neighbor who worked as a sheriff’s deputy could help.

 

Case developments

A search of Robinson’s home led to the discovery of a shell casing with etchings resembling those on bullets fired from the abandoned rifle. Investigators also found multiple targets riddled with bullet holes.

 

While Robinson has not cooperated with investigators, his family has provided information. His mother told authorities that he had shifted left politically in the past year and became more outspoken in support of LGBTQ+ rights after starting a relationship with a transgender partner.

 

Family members persuaded Robinson to speak with a retired sheriff’s deputy who convinced him to surrender. He was arrested near St. George, his hometown about 390 kilometers from the crime scene.

 

Prosecutors confirmed Robinson is facing charges of felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. The latter charge stems from his attempt to persuade his partner to delete texts and remain silent with police. The firearm charge could result in a life sentence, while obstruction of justice carries up to 15 years.

 

Authorities also noted sentence enhancements related to committing violence in front of children and targeting a victim for political beliefs.