PROVO, Utah – Tyler Robinson reportedly confessed to killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in a text to his roommate after the shooting on September 10, 2025. During a preliminary hearing Thursday, he expressed remorse, stating he acted out of being “tired of hate,” according to testimony.
Utah Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis recounted some details of a text exchange between Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs. This was right after the shooting took place outside a “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
In one message, Robinson instructed Twiggs, “Stop what you’re doing and look under your keyboard.” Davis also read a subsequent message where Robinson said, “I’m still okay, my love. But I’m stuck in Orem for a little while longer. I have to grab my rifle.” He added, “Honestly, I wanted to keep this a secret until I die of old age. I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
Twiggs seemed concerned, responding, “You didn’t do it, did you?” To which Robinson replied, “That’s right. I’m sorry.”
After Twiggs noted he thought the police had apprehended someone, Robinson claimed, “No, they grabbed a crazy old man and interrogated someone similarly dressed.” He described his plan to retrieve the rifle after the shooting but mentioned that the area was mostly locked down.
Robinson further explained his motive in a message, stating he had “had enough of his hate” and if he could retrieve the rifle discreetly, he wouldn’t leave any evidence behind. He also mentioned to Twiggs that he hadn’t seen anything on the news about the situation.
When asked how long he’d been planning the attack, he claimed, “A little over a week.” He expressed caution due to a nearby police car, indicating he wanted to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Robinson’s texts also revealed that he was concerned about leaving behind his rifle, stating, “I had to leave it in the bushes where I was changing, but I didn’t have time to take it with me.” He pointed out that “the K-9 must have sniffed it out” and expressed doubt they’d replace the rifle since it was old and modified by his grandfather.
Eventually, he communicated to Twiggs that he was willing to turn himself in, mentioning a neighbor who was a sheriff’s deputy. The last message in the exchange advised Twiggs to request a lawyer if questioned by the police and specified that his lawyer’s name was Doug Terry.
