The 22-year-old man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk said in text messages to his romantic partner that he had “had enough of his hatred” and that “some hate can’t be negotiated out,” according to prosecutors who filed a murder charge against the suspect on Tuesday.
The text message exchange between the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and his romantic partner provides the clearest explanation yet into a motivation for the killing of Mr. Kirk, a conservative political activist.
Mr. Robinson was charged with aggravated murder on Tuesday, as well as several crimes related to his direction to his partner to delete “incriminating” text messages and not to talk to the police. No lawyer is listed for Mr. Robinson in court records.
A charging document filed by prosecutors in court said that Mr. Robinson’s mother told investigators that her son had grown more political, and that his political views had moved to the left over the last year or so. She also told the police that he had become “more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented.” Mr. Robinson’s partner, who was living with him, had been transitioning to being a woman from a man, prosecutors said.
The text exchange between Mr. Robinson and his partner was reproduced by prosecutors in the charging document. It showed that Mr. Robinson had texted his partner shortly after the shooting on Wednesday about a note left under his keyboard, which read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
The partner reacted with shock, asking him if he was joking. “You weren’t the one who did it right????” the partner wrote. “I am, I’m sorry,” Mr. Robinson responded.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The post Texts From Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Offer Glimpse of a Motive appeared first on New York Times.