Upon reviewing Discord messages between Robinson and his roommate, investigators discovered that the Robinson discussed his need to retrieve the murder weapon, a bolt-action hunting rifle with a scope mounted on it, which had been hidden in a wooded area outside of UVU.
The description of the weapon reflected in the Discord messages matched the weapon that was recovered by police on Thursday. Unfired bullet casings found with the rifle were inscribed with messages. One said, “Hey fascists! Catch!” Another said, “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.” A third bullet included lyrics from “Bella Ciao,” an anti-fascist Italian folk song.
The casing of the bullet that killed Kirk said, “Notices bulge, OwO, what’s this?”
Robinson is being held at the Utah County Jail. Gov. Cox said that prosecutors will pursue capital punishment.
Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk co-founded at age 18 and led until his death, said in a statement on Friday, “We can confirm that the individual responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.”
“We are profoundly grateful to the men and women of law enforcement who worked with such urgency, dedication, and courage to bring this person to justice,” the statement continued. “Their commitment has brought an important step toward closure in this incredibly painful time.”
“Please continue to keep Erika, the Kirk family, and our entire Turning Point community in your prayers,” the statement concluded.
Since Kirk’s death, tributes from a wide range of leaders in culture, politics, and Christian ministry have poured in—including from several individuals who had adversarial public relationships with Kirk. These tributes have celebrated Kirk’s faith and work, expressed shock and grief at his passing, and denounced political violence as the answer to political disagreement.
Kirk’s body has been transported back to his home state of Arizona. The casket was boarded onto Air Force Two, and Vice President J.D. Vance was among those who carried the casket across an airport tarmac.
Kirk’s funeral will take place later this month.
