Tyler Robinson, the accused shooter in the death of Charlie Kirk, referred to the weapon he used as “grandpa’s rifle” and showed an unusual fixation on leaving it at the crime scene with a note for his roommate, as disclosed by authorities on Tuesday.
In a message sent to his 22-year-old boyfriend, Lance Twiggs, Robinson expressed concern over how to explain the disappearance of his .30-06 hunting rifle after escaping the scene of Kirk’s murder at Utah Valley University. Utah County attorney Jeff Gray included these details in the charges filed on Tuesday.
“I’m worried about what my grandfather will say if I don’t bring his rifle home. I have the serial number, but if I don’t follow through, I’m scared it’ll get traced back to me. I had to stash it in a bush since I didn’t have the time or chance to change my clothes,” his text reportedly read.
This all unfolded about two hours after Kirk was shot from approximately 200 yards while responding to questions posed by a transgender mass shooter.
“How do I tell my old man that I will lose it?” Robinson asked in his message, as noted by Gray.
This is the latest in Charlie Kirk’s shooting in Utah
- Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the shooter who fatally wounded Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10.
- He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony firearm discharge causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice.
- Robinson was living with his transgender roommate, and their interactions were key in aiding authorities in apprehending him.
- Kirk, a 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck with a single bullet while attending an event for an “American comeback tour.”
- Former President Trump was among those advocating for the death penalty for the accused.
- Kirk’s body was transported from Utah to Arizona aboard Air Force 2, accompanied by Vice President J.D. Vance, and taken to the Hansen Funeral Chapel in Phoenix.
- His funeral, which Trump has committed to attending, is scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals.
- Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children.
Authorities indicated that Robinson intends to retrieve the rifle from where he concealed it.
“If I could just grab my rifle without being seen, I’d have left no evidence and would try to go back for it,” he stated.
Prosecutors noted that Robinson, who has not cooperated with investigators, seemed apathetic towards the killings of his two fathers and Kirk, a conservative figure. “I’ve had enough of his hatred. Some hatred cannot be negotiated,” he conveyed to Twiggs.
