UPDATE: Just hours after allegedly murdering right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, 22, made disturbing jokes in a private Discord chat. This shocking revelation comes as authorities confirm Robinson has been arrested for the fatal shooting that occurred during Kirk’s viral Prove Me Wrong debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
New messages obtained by the New York Times reveal Robinson mocking the situation, claiming his “doppelganger” was responsible for Kirk’s death. He even joked about the ongoing FBI investigation and the potential for reward money. The chilling conversation took place shortly after the shooting, sending shockwaves through the community.
At approximately 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, hours before his arrest that evening, a fellow Discord user tagged Robinson, asking “Wya (where you at?)” accompanied by a skull emoji. Robinson’s immediate response was chilling: “My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble.” Another user jokingly stated, “Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” This dark humor escalated further with a comment about claiming the $100,000 FBI reward, to which Robinson quipped, “Only if I get a cut.”
Additionally, Robinson referenced having a manifesto and a “copy rifle” nearby, alarming comments amidst a backdrop of national tragedy. He even went so far as to joke, “I’m actually Charlie Kirk. Wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death.”
As news of the shooting spread globally, it became evident Robinson was closely following the developments. He commented in the Discord chat, “I heard the ammo had somethin about trans stuff on it, but they aren’t releasing photos or exact quotes.” His apparent nonchalance raised eyebrows among chat members, who expressed disbelief after his arrest, with one saying, “Our governor wants to give him the death penalty, dude.”
The FBI had previously released two CCTV images of a man in a cap and sunglasses in a stairwell at the university, appealing for public assistance in identifying the suspect. Reports indicate that Robinson’s father played a crucial role in turning him in to law enforcement.
This unfolding story raises critical questions about the impact of violence in political discourse and the chilling reactions that follow such tragic events. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this violent act and the suspect’s disturbing behavior in the wake of the tragedy.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.