FEDERAL authorities are probing every member of a Discord chat where Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22, reportedly confessed to planning the attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the chat, which Robinson participated in, had been “leaked,” prompting a full investigation into all users involved.
Accused Tyler Robinson, 22, allegedly confessed in a Discord chat that he planned to kill conservative activist Charlie Kirk (stock)[/caption]
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel is facing growing criticism for his handling of the case (stock)[/caption]
22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been accused of killing Charlier Kirk[/caption]
The deadly attack occurred at Utah Valley University, where Kirk, 31, was giving a speech last week.
Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee that the chat is being preserved as evidence for prosecution.
“We’re also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat,” Patel said.
Senator Josh Hawley, noted reports suggesting there were about 20 other participants in the thread.
Patel stressed the investigation is broader than that.
“It’s a lot more than 20. We’re running them all down,” he said.
Robinson allegedly sent texts to friends before the shooting, saying he had an opportunity to “take out” Kirk and would do it because of his hatred for what Kirk stood for.
It remains unclear who received the message or if law enforcement was tipped off.
A similar threat appeared in a note that was destroyed and later recovered, Patel said.
DNA evidence ties Robinson to the crime.
The FBI collected his DNA from a screwdriver on a Utah Valley University rooftop and from a towel that wrapped the firearm used in the attack.
The firearm itself is still undergoing forensic analysis.
Kirk was a prominent conservative voice known for his strong opinions on abortion, immigration, and gender identity.
Authorities are investigating whether Robinson’s political beliefs motivated the attack.
Charlie Kirk’s rise to hero of the youth MAGA movement
CHARLIE Kirk transformed conservative youth activism from a marginal movement into a powerful force before his assassination on a college campus at 31.
Kirk was an American conservative political activist, author, and media personality who rose to prominence as the co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).
He launched the organization in 2012 when he was just 18 years old, with the goal of promoting conservative principles to high school and college students and became a significant figure in American politics by building a massive grassroots network, framing himself as a “culture warrior.”
The rise of Turning Point USA
Turning Point USA’s mission was to counter what Kirk and his allies saw as liberal dominance on American college campuses.
It quickly grew to prominence through his use of provocative activism and viral social media campaigns.
They created watchlists of professors pushing leftist propaganda and organized events to debate students on controversial topics.
The strategy helped them gain a significant following and financial backing from wealthy conservative donors.
Kirk’s ability to connect with a new generation of conservatives was one of his most notable impacts.
He cultivated a style of political engagement that was heavily reliant on social media, podcasts, and confrontational public appearances.
His organization’s events, such as the annual Student Action Summit, drew thousands of young attendees and featured prominent conservative speakers, creating a new kind of political ecosystem for young people who felt alienated from traditional conservative groups.
A key ally of Donald Trump
Kirk also became a staunch supporter and ally of President Donald Trump.
He was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention and served as an aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the presidential campaign.
This relationship solidified his position within the Republican Party’s “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) wing, and his organization became an integral part of Trump’s political apparatus.
Through his popular podcast, “The Charlie Kirk Show,” and his frequent appearances on conservative media, Kirk was a powerful voice in the pro-Trump movement.
He often framed political issues as a “spiritual battle” between good and evil and championed a pugnacious, populist form of conservatism.
His influence was so significant that after Trump’s 2024 victory, Kirk was credited with helping to mobilize younger voters for the campaign.
Influence on culture and social issues
Beyond traditional politics, Kirk’s influence extended deeply into social and cultural issues.
He was a vocal opponent of “woke” ideology, particularly in education and media.
He promoted traditional values, often encouraging young women to prioritize becoming homemakers and mothers over professional careers.
Kirk also openly criticized programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
He was also a major proponent of Christian nationalism, arguing that there is no true separation of church and state in the United States.
The Turning Point Empire
Kirk’s activism led to the expansion of the Turning Point brand into a larger political and media empire.
He launched Turning Point Action, a political advocacy group focused on voter mobilization, and Turning Point Faith, aimed at engaging evangelical Christian communities in conservative politics.
These affiliated organizations allowed him to broaden his reach and influence beyond college campuses, into a more mainstream political force.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson had been radicalized online after leaving Utah State University in 2021.
Though Robinson’s parents are registered Republicans, authorities say he holds more liberal views.
Robinson has not cooperated with investigators, but friends and family have assisted law enforcement in understanding his background.
“Clearly, there was a lot of gaming going on… deep, dark internet, Reddit culture and these other dark places,” Cox said.
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said Robinson displayed and “obsession” with Kirk, and officials are probing whether others knew of his intentions, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“Did they … hear it and think it was a joke? That is what we’re trying to find out now,” Bongino told Fox News.
Robinson’s partner, who is transitioning from male to female, had no knowledge of the attack and was “shocked” by the events, Cox said.
Data from the Violence Prevention Project at Hamline University shows that nearly all public shootings involve men, women account for 2% and transgender people account for less than 1% over the last decade.
Robinson surrendered after his father saw him on television amid the FBI’s nationwide manhunt.
Authorities continue to investigate his motives and any potential network of co-conspirators, including Discord chat members.
Patel is facing growing criticism for his handling of the case.
He defended his handling of communications after the shooting, despite criticism over prematurely announcing a suspect had been in custody.
Former police chief Art Acevedo said Patel’s early social media posts revealed inexperience.
Patel told the Sentate that preserving the Discord evidence is a priority to ensure it can be used in court.
Robinson remains in custody as investigators trace all connections from the Discord chat and other online activity to determine the full scope of the plot.
The deadly attack occurred at Utah Valley University, where Kirk, 31, was giving a speech last week[/caption]
