More Text Messages Between Tyler Robinson and Roommate Released as He’s Charged With Murder

TL;DR: Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and six additional counts over the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on 10 September at Utah Valley University. At a press conference on 16 September, they said they will seek the death penalty and read alleged texts between Robinson and his roommate in which he appeared to admit responsibility and urged the roommate to delete messages. Evidence cited includes DNA on the rifle’s trigger, Discord messages and the text exchange.

What Prosecutors Announced on 16 September

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said Tyler Robinson faces seven counts: aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of witness tampering. Officials also stated they will pursue the death penalty.

• Robinson will remain in custody ahead of trial.
• Prosecutors said the suspect’s DNA was found on the trigger of the recovered rifle.

The Text Messages at the Heart of the Case

Alleged Text Exchange Between Tyler Robinson and His Roommate

• Robinson texted: “Drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.”
• The roommate found a note reading: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
• Roommate replied: “What? You’re joking, right?”

Later messages that day:

• Robinson: “I am still OK my love but am stuck in [unintelligible] for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret until I died of old age, I am sorry to involve you.”
• Roommate: “You weren’t the one who did it, right?”
• Robinson: “I am, I am. I’m sorry.”
• Roommate: “I thought they caught the person.”
• Robinson: “No they grabbed some crazy old dude then interrogated someone in similar clothing. I planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after but most of that side of town got locked down. It’s quiet, almost enough to get out but there’s one vehicle lingering.”

On motive:

• Roommate: “Why?”
• Robinson: “Why did I do it?”
• Roommate: “Yeah.”
• Robinson: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I’m able to grab my rifle unseen I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven’t seen anything about them finding it.”

On planning:

• Roommate: “How long have you been planning this?”
• Robinson: “A bit over a week I believe. I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot but I don’t want to chance it.”

On the rifle:

• Robinson: “I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got back to my vehicle. I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle. IDEK if it’s had a serial number but it wouldn’t trace to me.”
• Robinson: “I worry about prints, I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with. I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. How the F will I explain losing it to my old man?”
• Robinson: “The only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel. Remember how I was engraving bullets.”
• Robinson: “The fing messages are mostly a big meme. If I see ‘notice bulge uwu’ on Fox News I might have a stroke alright I’m gonna have to leave it. That really fing sucks. Judging from today I’d say grandpa’s gun does just fine IDK. I think that was a 2k dollar scope wink wink.”

On deleting and surrendering:

• Robinson: “Delete this exchange.”
• Robinson: “My dad wants photos of the rifle. He says grandpa wants to know who has what. The Feds released a photo of the rifle and it is very unique. He’s calling me RN. Not answering.”
• Robinson: “Since Trump got into office my dad has been pretty die-hard MAGA.”
• Robinson: “I’m gonna turn myself in willingly. One of my neighbours is a deputy for the sheriff.”
• Robinson: “You are all I’m worried about, love.”
• Roommate: “I’m much more worried about you.”
• Robinson: “Don’t talk to the media please, don’t take any interviews or make any comments. If any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent.”

What Happened on 10 September

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot at a Utah Valley University event. Investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle nearby and later highlighted campus footage of a person fleeing.

• Prosecutors allege the attack was planned for “a bit over a week,” citing the text exchange.
• Robinson was taken into custody and later formally charged; prosecutors confirmed their intent to seek capital punishment.

Charges Explained

• Aggravated murder – capital offence under Utah law; prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty.
• Felony discharge of a firearm – linked to the shooting at the event.
• Obstruction of justice (2 counts) – related to moving a firearm and disposing of clothing.
• Witness tampering (2 counts) – allegedly telling the roommate to delete messages and stay silent.

Evidence Cited by Prosecutors So Far

• DNA allegedly found on the rifle’s trigger.
• Text messages with alleged admissions and instructions to delete.
• Discord communications suggesting intent.

Authorities emphasised that the investigation continues.

What’s Next

Robinson appeared in court via video on 16 September. Further hearings will determine scheduling and any pre-trial motions.