Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect accused of assassinating right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, exchanged flippant messages with friends on Discord during the 33-hour manhunt that preceded his arrest.

According to People, Robinson made light of his resemblance to surveillance photos and joked about getting a cut of the FBI reward money.

The messages, obtained and verified by The New York Times, show Robinson's cavalier attitude after allegedly shooting Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. When confronted by friends about looking like the suspect in FBI surveillance images, Robinson dismissed it as his "doppelgänger" trying to cause trouble.

Suspect's Digital Trail Reveals Disturbing Behavior

The Discord group chat, comprising around 20 members, became a platform for Robinson's apparent mockery of the investigation. When one member suggested turning him in to collect the FBI reward, Robinson reportedly quipped that he would participate only if he received a share of the money.

Members of the chat group made references to other recent high-profile arrests, warning Robinson to avoid McDonald's restaurants. This was an apparent reference to Luigi Mangione, who was apprehended at a McDonald's after allegedly killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Robinson allegedly responded to these warnings with more jokes, claiming he needed to dispose of a "manifesto and exact copy rifle." The suspect also made comments about following the news coverage of the ammunition used in the shooting.

Discord Platform Responds to Controversy

Discord officials have confirmed the authenticity of the messages exchanged on their platform. The company has since removed Robinson's account for violating their off-platform behavior policy.

A Discord spokesperson emphasized that their investigation found no evidence of attack planning on their platform. The company expressed condolences to the Kirk family while maintaining their commitment to preventing violence.

The messages have sparked concerns about Robinson's state of mind during the manhunt. Several chat members expressed disbelief upon learning of his arrest, with some struggling to reconcile their friend's involvement in the killing.

Law Enforcement's Swift Response

The FBI's release of surveillance images played a crucial role in the investigation. The images showed a person of interest on the Utah campus, leading to numerous tips from the public.

Robinson's arrest came after he allegedly confessed to family members about the shooting. The confession occurred approximately 33 hours after Kirk was fatally shot while manning one of his signature "prove me wrong" tables.

Utah authorities moved quickly to apprehend the suspect once his identity was confirmed. The case has drawn national attention due to Kirk's prominence as a conservative political commentator.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

This case offers important takeaways for anyone navigating both real-life and digital interactions in our increasingly connected world:

1. Be cautious about what you share online. Even in private chats, messages can be obtained and shared with law enforcement during investigations. What may seem like harmless jokes or bravado can be used as evidence or signal deeper concerns.

2. Report suspicious behavior early. If someone makes comments suggesting violent behavior or hints at a crime, it’s critical to alert authorities or use anonymous tip lines. Taking action might prevent further violence.

3. No one is immune to crime. While safety measures are vital, crime can happen to anyone, and it should never be assumed the victim is at fault. Charlie Kirk was participating in a routine political event when his life was taken — a sobering reminder of vulnerability in public spaces.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores the real-world consequences of online behavior and the importance of staying vigilant, even in digital spaces. It also highlights ongoing challenges in political discourse and personal safety on college campuses across the country. As investigators continue piecing together the motive, the case serves as a wake-up call for communities to address warning signs and foster an environment where violence is not joked about or ignored.

Conclusion

Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 while hosting a political event, sparking an intense 33-hour search that ended with Tyler Robinson’s arrest. During that time, Robinson allegedly made several remarks in a private Discord chat, joking about the investigation and his resemblance to the suspect in surveillance footage. These messages, later verified by Discord and reported by The New York Times, prompted swift public backlash. Discord stated that no planning took place on its platform but confirmed it is cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing as questions about motive and safety linger in the aftermath of this tragic and highly publicized killing.