In the Utah Valley University Shooting, Has Tyler Robinson Confessed to Authorities? Utah Governor and FBI Reveal New Details After Charlie Kirk Assassination. Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, 31, was allegedly assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a student Q&A session at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. The suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt.
Authorities and political leaders continue to provide new details about the case, as questions grow over Robinson’s alleged online confessions, his digital footprint, and whether he has formally cooperated with investigators.
Has Tyler Robinson Confessed to Authorities? Utah Governor and FBI Reveal New Details After Charlie Kirk Assassination
Utah Governor Says Robinson Has Not Confessed to Authorities
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, told ABC News’ “This Week” that Robinson has refused to cooperate.
“He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that’s very important,” Cox said.
The Governor clarified that while Robinson has remained silent with investigators, several associates and family members have provided key information.
Cox also noted that claims about Robinson’s ideology have so far come only from acquaintances and relatives, but further details are expected when formal charges are filed.
Discord Messages: A Chilling “Confession” Before Arrest
While Robinson has not confessed directly to law enforcement, multiple reports suggest he admitted responsibility in a Discord group chat shortly before his arrest.
According to The Washington Post, Robinson sent a message that read:
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all… It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
He allegedly followed up with a note of gratitude to friends:
“Thanks for all the good times and laughs… I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments.”
The message was sent around two hours before his arrest.
Discord’s Response
A spokesperson for Discord confirmed that an account linked to Robinson was identified but insisted the platform had found “no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence” on its services.
The company stated that messages cited in certain reports were not planning discussions but rather recollections by Robinson’s roommate about a separate handwritten note.
FBI Confirms Evidence of Intent
Investigators say Robinson left behind alarming signs of intent.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that Robinson allegedly wrote a note indicating he had an “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk.” The note was reportedly destroyed, but forensic work and witness statements confirmed its existence.
Patel also told Fox News’ Fox & Friends that Robinson sent a text message before the shooting outlining his plan to assassinate Kirk.
“We have multiple indications that this was premeditated,” Patel said.
DNA and Forensic Evidence
Beyond digital evidence, FBI officials said Robinson’s DNA was discovered in key places:
- On a towel wrapped around the rifle used in the shooting.
- On a screwdriver left on the rooftop where investigators believe Robinson fired the fatal shot.
This forensic evidence has further strengthened the case against him as prosecutors prepare formal charges.
Governor Cox on Political Radicalization
Governor Cox also told reporters that Robinson appeared to have been “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” though he clarified that this information came primarily from acquaintances and family members.
He added that more details about Robinson’s motivations would surface when charges and investigative documents are formally released.
“These are very tragic circumstances that impact all of us,” Cox said, urging Americans to choose kindness despite rising political polarization.
Trump Blames “Radical Left”
Former President Donald Trump reacted strongly to the assassination, calling it a “dark moment for America.”
Trump blamed the “radical left” for the climate of hostility that he argued contributed to Kirk’s killing. His remarks have further politicized the tragedy, as law enforcement continues its investigation.
Timeline of the Shooting at UVU
- 11:52 a.m. (local time, Sept. 10): Robinson allegedly arrived at Utah Valley University.
- 12:20 p.m.: Kirk was struck in the neck by a single shot while addressing students during a Q&A.
- After the shot: Robinson fled, escaping from the rooftop into a nearby neighborhood.
- Aftermath: Kirk was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
- 33 hours later: Robinson was arrested following a manhunt.
Authorities said Robinson’s father helped convince him to surrender after recognizing his son in released photographs.
Discord Jokes and Doppelganger Claims
Authorities are reviewing online chats where Robinson allegedly joked about looking like the assassin. In one message, Robinson reportedly referred to the gunman as his “doppelganger.”
Governor Cox confirmed such conversations took place, but many participants initially thought Robinson was joking.
This has raised questions about whether others were aware of his intentions and failed to take warnings seriously.
FBI: Robinson’s “Obsession” With Kirk
FBI Co-Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Robinson had shown an unhealthy “obsession” with Kirk.
Bongino noted:
- Robinson avoided political conversations with co-workers.
- He displayed warning signs in behavior leading up to the shooting.
- Online activity linked him to discussions about Kirk before the attack.
Investigators are now probing whether anyone in Robinson’s circle ignored red flags that could have prevented the assassination.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Robinson is expected to face multiple charges, including:
- Aggravated murder
- Felony discharge of a firearm
- Obstruction of justice
He is scheduled to make an initial court appearance this week.
Also Read: Charlie Kirk assassin’s alleged gun was powerful, vintage and hard to trace
National and Political Impact
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has sparked outrage across political lines and has already become a flashpoint in the 2025 U.S. political climate.
- Supporters of Kirk have called for greater protections for conservative speakers on campuses.
- Critics argue that political rhetoric on both sides is fueling violence.
- Authorities are urging calm while the investigation continues.
Conclusion
The question “Has Tyler Robinson confessed to authorities?” remains central. According to Governor Cox, the answer is no — Robinson has not confessed to investigators. However, alleged Discord messages, forensic evidence, and a destroyed note strongly indicate intent.
As FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials stress, much more will be revealed in the coming days as formal charges are filed and Robinson’s court case begins. The assassination of Charlie Kirk marks a pivotal and tragic moment in American politics, raising urgent questions about radicalization, digital platforms, and the growing threat of political violence.
