Utah Governor Confirms Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Is Not Cooperating as Discord Messages Surface
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shaken the United States, sparking outrage, grief, and a flood of political commentary. As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shocking attack, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has provided new insights into the investigation — including the suspect’s lack of cooperation, his alleged background, and disturbing online interactions that have surfaced since the killing.
Importantly, authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing, with formal charges expected soon. Below is a detailed breakdown of everything known so far about the suspect, the role of family and friends in aiding investigators, and the broader political and social fallout.
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Kirk was in the middle of a debate-style event for his “American Comeback Tour”, a series of appearances aimed at galvanizing conservative youth across college campuses.
As he addressed a question about mass shootings, a single bullet struck him in the neck, causing catastrophic injuries. Thousands of attendees — students, staff, and supporters — fled in panic as security rushed Kirk from the stage. He was transported by his team to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead soon after arrival.
Law enforcement quickly confirmed the attack was a “targeted assassination.” Evidence suggested the shot had been fired from the rooftop of a nearby campus building. Within hours, the FBI and Utah’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) launched a statewide manhunt.
The Suspect: Tyler Robinson
By Friday, just two days after the shooting, authorities announced that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah native, was in custody. Robinson was arrested following a tip passed from a family member through a trusted friend to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, before being relayed to federal and state investigators.
Governor Cox confirmed Robinson’s arrest during a press briefing, declaring, “We got him.”
However, despite his detention, Robinson has reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators. According to Governor Cox, the young man has not confessed, nor has he provided any explanation for his actions.
“He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating,” Cox explained during an interview with ABC News’ This Week. “And I think that’s very important.”
A Family with Conservative Roots
Interestingly, Cox also revealed that Robinson comes from a conservative family, noting the detail adds complexity to understanding the suspect’s possible motive.
While Robinson himself has not spoken publicly or provided statements to investigators, relatives have described him as politically disengaged in the past, though more recent reports suggest he had become increasingly vocal in his criticisms of right-wing figures, including Charlie Kirk.
Governor Cox emphasized that while Robinson has remained silent, his family members and friends have been fully cooperative with law enforcement, providing access to conversations, social media interactions, and other leads.
Disturbing Discord Messages
One of the most unsettling revelations so far relates to messages the suspect allegedly exchanged on Discord, a popular online chat platform.
According to reporting from The New York Times and confirmed by Cox, Robinson is believed to have “joked” with online acquaintances about the FBI’s hunt for the shooter — even while knowing he was the prime suspect.
Screenshots shared with investigators reportedly show Robinson’s friends tagging him in posts about the FBI’s surveillance images, suggesting he resembled the man in the pictures. Robinson is said to have brushed off the comparisons, referring to the suspect as his “look-alike” or “doppelgänger.”
In some exchanges, Robinson allegedly made flippant comments, such as quipping that he had a manifesto “lying around” or sarcastically suggesting he was “actually Charlie Kirk” faking his own death.
Governor Cox told ABC News, “All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him. It was all joking until he admitted that it actually was him.”
The FBI continues to analyze the authenticity and context of these messages, stressing that online bravado and joking do not diminish the gravity of the crime.
Motive: Still Unclear
When pressed on whether authorities had determined a clear motive, Governor Cox acknowledged that speculation is rampant, but firm conclusions have yet to be reached.
“We’re all drawing lots of conclusions. How someone like this could be radicalized, and I think those are important questions for us to ask and important questions for us to answer,” Cox said.
At present, investigators believe the attack was politically motivated, but they are still working to confirm whether Robinson acted entirely alone and whether his actions were inspired by online influences, ideological extremism, or personal grievances.
Broader Reactions: Shock Across Political Lines
Charlie Kirk’s assassination has ignited fierce debate across the country.
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Former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, called the shooting “a political assassination” and ordered U.S. flags flown at half-mast until Sunday evening.
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the killing as “senseless political violence” and urged unity in its aftermath.
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Barack Obama also weighed in, offering prayers for Kirk’s family but facing criticism from some conservative commentators who accused him of downplaying the ideological roots of the attack.
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Public figures ranging from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Kid Rock expressed condolences online, with musician Kid Rock writing, “God bless Charlie Kirk. A true patriot.”
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YouTube star Jake Paul posted that Kirk “got shot for telling the truth,” reflecting a wave of conspiracy-tinged reactions that continue to spread online.
Social Media and the Culture of Outrage
In his ABC interview, Governor Cox placed part of the blame on the toxic role of social media in radicalizing young people and fueling division.
“The conflict entrepreneurs are taking advantage of us, and we are losing our agency,” he said. “We have to take that back.”
Cox’s comments reflect a growing concern that platforms like Discord, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are serving as breeding grounds for radicalization, emboldening individuals who might otherwise never act on violent impulses.
What Happens Next
Authorities have confirmed that formal charges against Robinson are expected by Tuesday, September 16.
The FBI and Utah DPS continue to investigate, analyzing forensic evidence including bullet casings — some allegedly engraved with disturbing messages — as well as surveillance footage, digital communications, and eyewitness testimony.
Governor Cox urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue sending tips, reiterating that while Robinson is in custody, the investigation is far from over.
Conclusion
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left a deep scar on America’s political landscape, highlighting the dangerous intersection of ideology, social media, and violence. As investigators work to bring the suspect to justice, the tragedy serves as a chilling reminder of the volatility in modern political discourse.
Governor Cox’s admission that Robinson is not cooperating underscores the difficulty of uncovering the full truth behind the attack. Yet the cooperation of family, friends, and digital evidence may ultimately provide the answers that Kirk’s grieving family — and the nation — are demanding.
Editor’s Note: The FBI has confirmed that charges are expected to be filed on Tuesday. More developments will be reported as they unfold.
Watch Governor Spencer Cox’s full ABC interview at the end of this article.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.