Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, appeared to confess to the killing in a private online chat on the platform Discord shortly before he was arrested, according to multiple reports from The Washington Post, BBC, and other news outlets. The confession came in a message sent hours before Robinson was taken into custody after a 33-hour manhunt following the shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, 2025.

Robinson reportedly wrote to friends in a Discord group chat, “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.” This message stunned participants of the chat and was a rare public acknowledgment from the suspect prior to his arrest. The timing of this message was about two hours before law enforcement officials apprehended Robinson late on September 11, 2025, at a location several hours away from the UVU campus in Orem, Utah, where the shooting occurred.

The shooting happened during an outdoor event organized by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization that Kirk co-founded. Kirk, 31, was addressing students at the university when Robinson allegedly fired a single bullet that struck him in the neck, killing him. The incident was captured on video, shocking those present and sparking widespread political outrage across the United States. Kirk was a prominent and polarizing supporter of former President Donald Trump, intensifying the national conversation about political violence.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson was arrested after admitting his involvement to his father and was persuaded to surrender peacefully to law enforcement. Robinson faces charges that include aggravated murder, unlawful firearm discharge, and obstruction of justice, with the possibility of the death penalty. Discord officials have cooperated with the FBI and local authorities, providing information on Robinson’s online activity to assist in the investigation. However, Discord stated that their internal check revealed no prior evidence of Robinson planning or inciting violence on the platform.

The investigation reveals disturbing details about Robinson’s online behavior. In the Discord group chat, some members appeared in disbelief, others joked about the situation, and Robinson seemed to show a mix of remorse and resignation, indicating he might have been mentally conflicted. FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed that messages on Robinson’s phone suggested premeditation, further intensifying the probe into possible radicalization. Analysts warn the case highlights the dark intersection of online communities, mental health, and political extremism.

Eyewitnesses described the shooting as horrifying, with many students traumatized by witnessing a political assassination on campus. The event has reignited debates on gun control, campus security, and the toxicity of political rhetoric, impacting local and national discourse. Experts emphasize the need for preventative efforts targeting online radicalization and improved security at politically charged events.

In summary, Tyler Robinson’s apparent confession on Discord provides crucial insight into the lead-up to Charlie Kirk’s tragic murder, underscoring the role of online platforms in modern violent acts. Robinson’s upcoming court appearance will likely reveal more details about his motives and state of mind. Meanwhile, authorities, political leaders, and online platforms face growing pressure to address the intersection of digital communication, ideological extremism, and real-world violence to prevent future tragedies.

This case continues to develop as court proceedings advance and investigations deepen into how online environments may have influenced Robinson. The nation awaits further information to better understand and respond to the factors behind this high-profile killing.