FBI Investigates Discord Chat Related to Murder Case

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Tuesday that the agency is looking into members of a Discord chat group who allegedly disclosed the plans of Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of murdering Charlie Kirk.

Robinson, 22, was charged on Wednesday with first-degree aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm, resulting in serious injuries. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University the previous week.

According to a report from the Washington Post, Robinson seemingly confessed to the murder in a Discord chat shortly before he was arrested by the FBI. Discord, commonly used by gamers, is a platform for instant messaging.

The Washington Post quoted Robinson saying, “It was me [Utah Valley University] yesterday. Sorry for all of this.”

When questioned by Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Patel confirmed that the FBI is investigating everyone involved in that Discord chat.

“What we’ve done is not just monitor Discord, but also to follow a legal process, ensuring the information gathered is kept in an evidential manner that could be used in prosecution if necessary,” Patel stated. “We are looking into all individuals involved in that Discord chat.”

The New York Times also reported that Robinson mentioned in another Discord chat that a “doppelganger” was “trying to get me in trouble,” following comments from users who noticed resemblances between Robinson and images of the suspect shared by law enforcement. This chat reportedly included around 20 members.

However, Patel indicated that the number of individuals the FBI is pursuing is “far more” than 20 when asked by Hawley.

“We’re looking into all of them,” Patel asserted.

The FBI reached out to Discord for commentary regarding the investigation.

Patel added that investigators are also questioning Robinson’s family and community members. Robinson was originally from St. George, Utah, and was residing in Washington, Utah, at the time of the shooting.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) stated in an interview with NBC News that Robinson came from a conservative family but held beliefs different from those of his family.

“From an interrogation standpoint, we quickly contacted families and communities for investigations and interviews with local law enforcement,” Patel explained during his testimony. “I hope that those closest to the suspect can provide insights into his beliefs and ideology.”