The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USThe 22-year-old man suspected in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk confessed to friends in a group chat that he had killed the prominent right-wing activist hours before authorities said he was taken into custody, according to a report. “Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” read a message from the man identified as the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, on the online platform Discord, two people familiar with the chat told The Washington Post. The message was sent from Robinson’s account to a group of online friends on Thursday night, about two hours before he was taken into custody, according to the report. Screenshots provided to the Post by a member of the chat also confirmed that Robinson had confessed to the shooting. Discord shared a copy of the message with authorities and told the Post that it is providing the FBI and local authorities with information about Robinson’s online activities to help their investigation. Following a 33-hour-long manhunt, Robinson was arrested and accused of fatally shooting Kirk as he spoke with students at Utah Valley University. Horrifying video captured Kirk getting shot in the neck in front of students at an outdoor event with the conservative youth organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA. open image in galleryTyler Robinson, 22, was accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a MAGA influencer and strong ally of President Donald Trump (Utah Governor’s Office)Kirk, a 31-year-old Republican activist and ally to President Donald Trump, was best known to Americans for his controversial views on gun control, LGBT+ rights, and abortion, among other hot-button issues. Through his organization, TPUSA, he dedicated most of his life to sharing conservative beliefs and engaging in debate to spread right-wing policies to teens in high school and on college campuses. Law enforcement spent over a day searching for Robinson, releasing surveillance photos and videos of the 22-year-old and begging the public to help identify him. However, he was only captured because of a tip-off from a relative who had contacted law enforcement. That relative was Robinson’s own father, who apparently saw a photo of the suspect and worked with a pastor to encourage his son’s surrender to authorities, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, the friends of Robinson in the Discord chat shared their reactions to Kirk’s shooting last Wednesday before even learning that Robinson was allegedly involved. “Charlie Kirk got shot,” one friend wrote. Another replied, “I just saw the video holy s***” before adding, “Bro didn’t deserve to go out like that sad.” There were about 30 people in the chat. The only response from Robinson was what he sent the following day announcing his “bad news,” according to the report.open image in galleryA memorial honoring Charlie Kirk was erected near his home in Phoenix, Arizona (AFP via Getty Images)open image in galleryUS right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University speaking event before he was shot (via REUTERS)“im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments,” the message said. “thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you for everything.” There was no response in the message thread until the following morning, when one friend wrote that the apparent confession appeared to be true. That friend then asked the group members to “pray for Tyler and his repentance.” “While Charlie Kirk’s politics were not acceptable to some I ask that we all say a prayer for him and his family during these confusing times,” the friend added. Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit. On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel, who has received criticism over his agency’s handling of the killing, said that DNA on a towel wrapped around a rifle found near the shooting matched that of Robinson’s. open image in galleryUtah authorities release pictures of ‘person of interest’ in connection with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (Utah Public Safety)Authorities are now planning on filing capital murder charges against Robinson in the killing, with the charges possibly coming as soon as Tuesday. They also said that Robinson has not been cooperating with law enforcement and that he may have been “radicalized” online. Ammunition found with the gun used to kill Kirk included anti-fascist and meme language engravings. Robinson was set to appear virtually for his first court appearance on Tuesday. He is currently being held at the Utah County Jail without bail.
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‘I’m sorry for all of this’: Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin reportedly confessed in group chat after the shooting
