Alleged Discord Messages Emerge in Tyler Robinson Case After Charlie Kirk Shooting

The death of political activist and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk dominated headlines last week. The 31-year-old was answering questions at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, when he was struck in the neck by a rifle round fired from a nearby rooftop. Panic rippled through the estimated 3,000-person crowd; Kirk was pronounced dead about 90 minutes later at the hospital.

Manhunt, Recovery of Rifle, and a Family Intervention

A rapid, highly publicized manhunt followed. Authorities traced the suspected shooter’s path across rooftops and along the edge of a nearby car park, later recovering a rifle in a wooded area. Images of a college-aged suspect were released, accompanied by a $100,000 reward for information.

Despite the momentum, it wasn’t strictly investigative muscle that ended the search. According to officials, the suspect’s father recognized his son from public images, confronted him, and ultimately persuaded him to surrender—even amid fear that his son might face the death penalty. The suspect was identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah.

At a Friday press conference confirming Robinson’s arrest, Utah Governor Spencer Cox referenced messages that investigators reviewed, allegedly sent by Robinson to a roommate about retrieving a rifle from a “drop point,” adding a scope, and describing the firearm as unique.

“Investigators interviewed that roommate who stated that his roommate made a joke on Discord,”

Cox said, before detailing what the screenshots purportedly showed:

“He showed several messages and allowed investigators to take photos of the screen. These photos consisted of various messages, including content of messages between the phone contact of Tyler and Robinson’s roommate’s device.

“The content of these messages included messages affiliated with the contact Tyler, stated the need to retrieve the rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush, messages related to visually watching the area where a rifle was left and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel.”

Discord later clarified that the quoted messages were from the roommate, who was discussing a note Robinson allegedly left elsewhere.

New Alleged Discord Exchanges

Now, additional Discord messages have surfaced, showing what appear to be Robinson’s jokes to friends after the FBI released a photo of its primary suspect. One friend tagged Robinson with the image, posting “wya” (where you at?) with a skull emoji. Robinson reportedly replied that it was his “doppelganger” trying to get him in trouble.

“Tyler killed Charlie!!!”

another user wrote, while a different participant joked:

“Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonald’s anytime soon,”

referencing an unrelated high-profile case.

In the exchanges, Robinson allegedly quipped about needing to “get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle,” speculated the shooter was “CLEARLY” from California, and mocked reports of “trans” inscriptions on the ammunition as something “made up by a dude in the briefing room.”

Charges, Detention, and Relationship Details

Robinson is being held without bail on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. Officials say the recovered high-powered bolt-action rifle is undergoing laboratory analysis, alongside shoe impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints collected near the scene.

Governor Cox also addressed Robinson’s living situation, stating the suspect had been in a relationship with a roommate who was transitioning.

“The roommate was a romantic partner,”

he told *Meet the Press*.

“We can confirm that that roommate is a boyfriend who is transitioning from male to female.”

Cox added that Robinson is **refusing to cooperate** with investigators.

Context and Ongoing Questions

Earlier, FBI Director Kash Patel drew attention for saying this is what happens

“when you let good cops be cops.”

While some viewed that as oddly phrased amid an active investigation, authorities emphasized that every lead is being pursued, including digital communications and witness interviews.

As the case moves forward, questions remain about motive, the provenance and meaning of any inscriptions on ammunition, and the authenticity and full context of the alleged Discord messages. For now, officials underscore that the investigation is active, the evidence is being analyzed, and formal legal proceedings are pending.