Kirk Attack Accused Appeared to Confess via Messaging Platform
Utah Department of Law Enforcement
The alleged killer of right-wing activist the political commentator reportedly claim responsibility for the shooting on the messaging platform the chat app, a platform representative has verified.
According to the spokesperson, the 22-year-old suspect messaged acquaintances in a chat on the platform a short time before he was taken into custody recently in relation to Kirk's shooting at an gathering at a local college.
"It was me at the university yesterday. I apologize for everything," states a communication from an profile that reportedly belongs to the accused, according to the spokesperson and a law enforcement source.
The suspect, who has still not been officially indicted, is scheduled to face a judge on Tuesday.
Taken into custody on allegations of homicide, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, he could face the death penalty.
The online communications said to be from Mr Robinson, first reported by the Washington Post, are thought to have been written and posted towards the end of a search for Kirk's killer that lasted over a day.
The victim, 31, who was a polarizing personality in US politics and a close supporter of President Donald Trump, was speaking at the educational institution on that day at an open-air event organized by a conservative group - the organisation he helped establish - when he was hit in the upper body by a single bullet.
The killing of the well-known social media personality provoked anger, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other of promoting divisive language, and a hunt for his assailant.
Law enforcement sources have indicated that the suspect and his friends exchanged messages about the shooting before his apprehension in a group chat on the platform involving over twenty people.
The spokesperson for the platform said that an company review had found "nothing to suggest that the accused planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord".
Mr Robinson is said to have been questioned by others in the group about whether he was the gunman, which he did not appear to reject, and there were also comments from a participant about him needing to avoid a fast-food restaurant.
Messages from the profile thought to belong to the suspect also suggest that he was planning to hand himself in.
"I am turning myself in through a sheriff friend in a short while, thanks for all the good times and fun, you've all been so wonderful, gratitude to everyone for all your support," reads one.
It was stated that the accused was refusing to collaborate with authorities but his housemate was among those who were.
Investigators have been working to determine a motive for the shooting.
Public records examined suggest that Mr Robinson had in the past been listed as an unaffiliated voter.
Nevertheless, according to reports, a relative told authorities that he had become "more political" in recent years and had brought up the upcoming event during a family meal.
Among Donald Trump's top officials has claimed there was an coordinated effort behind the assassination but nothing concrete has been provided so far that indicates the suspect was acting as part of a larger network.
Investigators are also looking at social media accounts associated with the accused, and any indications that others may have been aware of or supported the shooting beforehand.
News Agencies
The victim, a devout Christian, was a advocate of firearm ownership, vehemently opposed termination, was critical of LGBTQ+ issues, and promoted misinformation about Covid-19.
His supporters stated he was relatable, understood their concerns and was able to hold civil discussions with those he held opposing views to.
But, his views drew fierce liberal criticism, with his critics calling his comments highly disrespectful to some minority groups, including LGBT people and Muslims.
The organization, which Kirk co-founded, aimed to spread right-leaning values at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a significant part in getting people to support the former president and other GOP contenders in the vote last year.