Utah police made contact with Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, near the location where investigators recovered the alleged murder weapon wrapped in a towel in the woods at the edge of Utah Valley University’s campus. This incident occurred approximately six hours after a sniper’s bullet struck Kirk in the neck during a speaking event at the university. The officer was guarding the perimeter following the campus lockdown, and the encounter appears to have prevented the suspect from retrieving the Mauser .30-06 rifle prosecutors allege was used in the attack.
Prosecutors have released excerpts from a text message conversation between Robinson and his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. In the text messages, Robinson allegedly discussed his intention to retrieve a rifle before returning home from Orem, which is about a four-hour drive from his residence in Washington County. While law enforcement searched the area, Robinson texted Twiggs, instructing him to ‘look under my keyboard.’ The roommate found and photographed a note there that read, ‘I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.’ Authorities stated that Twiggs has cooperated with investigators.
In another message, Robinson allegedly stated that he was ‘stuck in Orem for a little while longer’ and that he ‘had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age.’ He also mentioned his concern about what his father would do if he did not bring back ‘grandpas rifle.’ Eventually, Robinson surrendered to authorities in his hometown of southern Utah 33 hours after the shooting, prompted by his parents and a family friend to turn himself in rather than take his own life. He faces charges of aggravated murder, with Utah prosecutors preparing a potential death penalty case against him.
Investigators continue to piece together the gaps in the case as they examine the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The incident has sparked widespread interest and concern, with Utah residents describing the suspect as ‘very quiet.’ As the legal process unfolds, the case remains a focal point in discussions around campus safety and the potential for violence in educational institutions.