Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) – American activist Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, joked about the attack online before surrendering after the FBI circulated suspect photos.
As reported by The Telegraph, the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s case joked online about his doppelganger killing the conservative commentator.
At an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on 10 September, Wednesday, he was murdered by a single rifle shot from a rooftop.
He co-founded Turning Point USA, a conservative student group, and backed US President Donald Trump.
How did the FBI hunt lead to suspect identification via Discord?
A suspect emerged in the case, with the FBI releasing unclear photos of a young man at Utah Valley University to seek public assistance.
The following day, a friend tagged Robinson’s Utah-born online username, saying he looked like the man wanted by officials.
His friend posted the FBI images online, writing “wya” with a skull emoji. After a minute, Mr Robinson replied his “doppelganger” was “trying to get me in trouble,” sources said,
Another user jokingly wrote, “Tyler killed Charlie!”
The suspect’s Discord messages were paired with a Garfield comic avatar, showing Jon Arbuckle’s confused face. Tyler Robinson was taken into custody nearly 34 hours after Thursday’s Discord chat.
Following recognition of FBI images by a family friend, Robinson was persuaded by his father to turn himself in. He will likely be formally charged by prosecutors on Tuesday.
How did Tyler Robinson joke about killing Charlie Kirk online?
A Discord user suggested turning in Robinson for the $100,000 FBI reward after he joked his double carried out the attack.
Mr Robinson replied, “Only if I get a cut.”
A Discord user warned, “Don’t go to McDonald’s,” referencing Luigi Mangione’s arrest at the chain over a Manhattan executive’s killing.
Mr Robinson allegedly made a joke about getting rid of a manifesto and a matching rifle.
When asked if Kirk’s killing would prompt a Guard response, the suspect joked, “In a red state? Nah, clearly from California.”
Media reports noted that ammo at the scene included markings referencing “transgender ideology.”
The rifle ammo was marked with “hey fascist! Catch!”, antifascist folk lyrics, and a sexual meme referencing a “bulge.”
He wrote,
“I heard the ammo had somethin [sic] about trans stuff on it, but they aren’t releasing photos or exact quotes. And also the claim wasn’t backed by the official FBI, just some dude in the briefing room.”
After some minutes, he joked,
“I’m actually Charlie Kirk, wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death, now I can live out my dream life in Kansas.”
The messages offer no clues on a motive, sparking intense political debate.
After his arrest, around 20 Discord users expressed shock at Mr Robinson, one saying, “Our governor wants to give him the death penalty.”
Another user added, “I truly cannot distinguish if this is for real.”
What did the police say about Robinson’s role in Kirk’s killing?
Police record shows Mr Robinson had talked with a family member about Mr Kirk’s Utah event and expressed negative views toward him.
They added that the suspect entered the campus before Mr Kirk’s debate and positioned himself on a roof 400 feet from the stage.
Police said one shot struck Kirk fatally, after which the gunman fled from the rooftop, adding Mr Robinson either implied or confessed to his role in the killing.
They confirmed he was urged by relatives and friends to turn himself in to the authorities. His home was over three hours’ drive from the scene at Utah Valley University.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Charlie Kirk’s murder as a “watershed in American history,” likening it to 1960s political assassinations.
What did Donald Trump say about Charlie Kirk’s assassination?
Donald Trump expressed he is “filled with grief and anger” following the “heinous assassination” of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.
The president stated,
“I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk.”
He added,
“He inspired millions and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. This is a dark moment for America.”
What did Erika Kirk say about Charlie Kirk’s assassination?
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, said he was a “perfect” husband and father, and his killers don’t know what they have done.
She stated,
“You have no idea of the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
Ms Kirk added,
“If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world, you have no idea.”