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Topics: Charlie Kirk, Crime, US News, World News
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Madison Burgess
The chilling text messages sent by the suspect accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk have been revealed - and they could help authorities with their investigation.
For those not up to date, right-wing influencer and Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at a university event in Utah on Wednesday 10 September.
The incident happened with over 3,000 people in attendance and Kirk was answering a question when a single shot struck him in the neck.
After the shock killing gained worldwide attention, on Friday (12 September), the FBI issued an important update where they released the name of their suspects, along with other details surrounding the assassination.
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The mugshot of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was shared, who has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
As well as this important update, the FBI also released cryptic messages that had been engraved onto the bullet casings, text messages Robinson had allegedly sent, and a note he supposedly left behind.
During an appearance on Fox News' Hannity on Monday (15 September) FBI Director Kash Patel revealed more about the ominous text messages.
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As per the New York Post, Patel said: “[W]hat was found, in terms of information, a text message exchange where the suspect [Robinson], specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do that.”
He added: "And when [Robinson] was asked why, he said, ‘Some hatred cannot be negotiated with."
And more texts allegedly show that Robinson 'essentially admitted' to killing Kirk following the shooting.
In a conversation that occurred on Discord just hours before Robinson was arrested, he reportedly appeared to take responsibility in a series of texts with his friends.
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As per CBS News, one message read: "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this."
Another allegedly read: "Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around."
And a third said: "im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments, thanks for all the good times and laughs, you've all been so amazing, thank you all for everything."
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The FBI boss said: “The suspect admitted to it,” without going into the details and also noting that he would not 'stylize the evidence', reports the NY Post.
However, a clear motive is yet to be identified and Patel affirmed that the investigation is still ongoing.
Patel continued: "We’re dedicating every asset we have to run the reverse daisy chain analysis of anyone that was in contact with the suspect that’s currently in custody and anyone he contacted, called and text messaged and had chats on online social media platforms with.
"We seized multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We’ve got computers, we’ve got laptops, gaming systems, we’ve got cellphones.”
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“All of that is being triaged by the FBI, because that’s what we do."
It comes as the FBI also confirmed that DNA on a towel wrapped around a rifle found near where Kirk was assassinated matched that of Robinson.
Investigators also have used DNA evidence to link the suspect with a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired.
On top of this, Robinson had reportedly written in a note before the shooting that he had an opportunity to take out Kirk and was going to do it.
Investigators were able to recover the note’s contents after it had been destroyed, the FBI director said, paraphrasing from the note without revealing more details.
According to the NY Post, Robinson is expected to have his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon (16 September).