Washington, D.C. – Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of far-right activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, reportedly joked in a Discord chat room that the FBI’s images of the suspect resembled his “doppelganger” trying to “get me in trouble,” according to messages obtained by The New York Times.
The exchanges, from hours after the killing, show Robinson treating the manhunt with levity, referencing a $100,000 FBI reward and a “manifesto and exact copy rifle,” while denying ties to rumored “transgender ideology” bullet engravings.
Robinson, from a MAGA-supporting family in Washington, Utah, was arrested late September 11 after confessing to his father, Matt, who turned him in. Expected to face charges of aggravated murder and felony discharge on Tuesday, September 16, Robinson’s flippant messages offer early insights into his mindset, as friends expressed disbelief at his arrest.
Discord Messages and Robinson’s Mindset
The New York Times obtained screenshots of Robinson’s Discord chats, where his avatar featured Jon Arbuckle’s confused face from Garfield. After the FBI released photos on September 11 of a suspect in a black T-shirt and Converse shoes, Robinson wrote, “That’s just my doppleganger trying to get me in trouble.”
When a friend suggested turning him in for the $100,000 reward, he replied, “Only if I get a cut.” Another user warned, “Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonalds anytime soon,” referencing the December 2024 arrest of Luigi Mangione for killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson; Robinson responded, “Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around.”
On rumors of bullet engravings tied to “transgender ideology,” Robinson wrote, “I heard the ammo had something about trans stuff on it, but they aren’t releasing photos or exact quotes. Also the claim wasn’t backed by the official FBI, just some dude in the briefing room.”
The engravings, later identified as from a satirical video game co-opted by far-right groups, not trans ideology, per The Guardian, were a focus of speculation. Robinson added, “I’m actually Charlie Kirk. Wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death, now I can live out my dream life in Kansas,” indicating he closely followed his manhunt.
Law enforcement sources told the Times that Robinson confessed or “heavily implied” responsibility to his father, Matt, who alerted authorities via a family friend, leading to his arrest. Discord friends struggled to process the news, with one writing, “I truly cannot distinguish if this is for real.”
The Assassination and Arrest Details
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck at 12:20 p.m. MDT on September 10 during a TPUSA event at UVU’s Sorensen Student Center. The FBI’s photos and a $100,000 reward led to Robinson’s arrest in Washington County, Utah, after a 33-hour manhunt.
Robinson’s father, Matt, 48, a registered Republican running a countertop business, turned him in after his confession, per Gov. Spencer Cox. His mother, Amber, 44, a social worker, and grandmother, Debbie, 69, confirmed the family’s MAGA loyalty, with Debbie telling Daily Mail, “My son, his dad, is a Republican for Trump… I don’t know any single one who’s a Democrat.”
A high school classmate told CNN Robinson was “diehard Trump” supporter in 2020. Robinson, a nonpartisan voter who never voted, per Washington County Clerk Ryan Sullivan, faces aggravated murder, felony discharge, and obstruction charges.
What People Are Saying
President Trump, in a September 11 statement, urged conservatives to “beat the hell out of radical left lunatics,” later advocating non-violence. His September 10 address blamed “radical left” rhetoric, awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
Erika Kirk vowed on September 12 to continue TPUSA’s mission, calling the killers “evildoers.” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) threatened to defund universities not firing professors celebrating Kirk’s death in a chaotic X post.
On X, #TylerRobinsonDoppleganger trended with 400,000 posts. Supporters like @MagaStrong2026 posted, “Robinson’s jokes prove he’s a leftist plant in a MAGA family!” Critics @BlueWave2026 said, “His levity is chilling—justice must be swift.”
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The FBI recovered a rifle with engraved bullets, initially mislinked to trans ideology. Utah’s HB 128, allowing campus open carry since May 2025, faces repeal calls. The EU Parliament rejected a minute of silence for Kirk, sparking protests. Robinson’s Discord messages, not planned on the platform, were post-shooting recounts, per Discord’s Jud Hoffman.
The case ties to Trump’s challenges: Epstein files on September 8, August jobs report, health rumors, September 6 Chicago post and court losses. GOP rifts over Epstein risk 2026 midterms. The December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, referenced in the chats, adds to political violence debates.
Robinson’s charges, expected September 16, could lead to life or the death penalty. His Discord levity may complicate motive analysis, with his silence to investigators ongoing.
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