FBI confirms assassin announced murder of Charlie Kirk in advance

The alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah apparently announced his intention in advance. FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday that Tyler Robinson had sent a text message before the shooting in which he wrote that he wanted to kill Kirk.

There was also a handwritten note with the sentence that he had the “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk.” The note was destroyed, but forensic evidence and witness statements confirmed its contents.

Investigators have not yet released a motive. They believe Robinson acted alone but are investigating whether other people were involved. According to the Washington Post, Robinson also sent a message to friends via the Discord platform: “It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry.” Shortly afterwards, he was arrested.

Kirk, an influential ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, was killed by a single gunshot at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Robinson, 22, is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday and appear in court for the first time via video link. DNA traces of the suspect were found on the alleged murder weapon and on tools at the scene of the crime.

(reuters, est)