Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, confessed to the killing in a series of disturbing text messages to his live-in partner, prosecutors revealed on Tuesday, September 16.
According to court filings, Robinson contacted his partner, Lance Twiggs — described by authorities as a male transitioning to female — less than three hours after the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem. Robinson urged Twiggs to check beneath his computer keyboard, where investigators later discovered a handwritten note outlining his plan.
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” the note read.
In text exchanges released by prosecutors, Robinson admitted responsibility for the shooting and revealed details of his preparation and escape attempt.
Robinson: “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Twiggs: “You weren’t the one who did it right????”
Robinson: “I am, I’m sorry.”
Robinson explained that he had planned the assassination for more than a week, using his grandfather’s scoped .30-06 hunting rifle. He described stashing the weapon in nearby bushes after changing clothes and expressed panic over whether police would recover it.
“I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle … how the f— will I explain losing it to my old man,” he allegedly wrote.
Robinson also revealed that his father was a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump and had asked him to send photos of the gun, which later matched the firearm released in police evidence.
The texts captured Robinson oscillating between defiance and regret. At one point, he wrote: “I had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Later, he reassured Twiggs: “You are all I worry about, love.”
Twiggs immediately pressed him for answers, initially believing it was a sick joke, but ultimately cooperated with authorities. Prosecutors have not charged Twiggs with a crime.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent voice in the MAGA movement, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking to a crowd as part of his American Comeback Tour. He is survived by his wife and two young children.
President Trump, who has called for the death penalty in the case, accompanied Kirk’s body to Arizona aboard Air Force Two alongside Vice President JD Vance. Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Robinson now faces seven counts, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Utah prosecutors have announced they will pursue the death penalty, with the possibility of execution by firing squad if he is convicted.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized that the state intends to deliver the maximum penalty: “To whoever did this, we will find you. We will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law. I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty in the state of Utah.”
