UTAH — Just hours before his arrest, the 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk appeared to acknowledge responsibility in messages sent on the social media platform Discord, the company confirmed on Monday, September 15, 2025.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” read one message from an account allegedly belonging to Tyler Robinson, according to Discord and a law enforcement source. “It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this.”
The exchange, first reported by The Washington Post and later confirmed to CBS News, came at the tail end of a nearly two-day search for the suspect following the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Arrest and Charges
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson confessed privately to his father before being taken into custody late Thursday night.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on Friday.
Robinson now faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction and firearm violations.
Governor Cox has said the state will seek the death penalty.
According to Christopher Ballard, chief of staff for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, Robinson could make his first court appearance Tuesday afternoon after formal charges are filed.
The Manhunt
During the manhunt, Patel authorised the release of several surveillance images of the suspect and appealed to the public for help.
The shooting drew widespread attention and renewed debate over political violence in the United States.
Two law enforcement sources told CBS News that, even as investigators sought leads, Robinson exchanged messages in a more than 20-person Discord group popular with gamers.
A Discord spokesperson said the company’s internal investigation found “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.”
At least three friends questioned Robinson directly, suggesting he resembled the man in FBI photos. He did not appear to deny it, the sources said.
Discord Messages
In one exchange, a friend referenced another high-profile arrest, telling Robinson: “Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonald’s anytime soon.”
The account believed to belong to Robinson replied, “Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around.”
Other messages indicated that Robinson intended to surrender.
One post read: “I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments, thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you all for everything.”
Father’s Role
Robinson’s arrest followed a confrontation with his father, who had recognised him in the FBI’s released images.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that Robinson admitted he was the man in the photographs. When urged to surrender, he threatened suicide.
His father then contacted a youth pastor, who was also a court security officer. That officer notified the U.S. Marshals Service, leading to Robinson’s eventual arrest.
