FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed Monday night that federal investigators are examining a private online group linked to Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, and plan to question more than 20 individuals connected to the chats.
Robinson, 28, was arrested last week after allegedly shooting Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University. He has confessed to the killing, according to law enforcement, and is awaiting formal charges.
Appearing on Fox News, Patel outlined new evidence seized from Robinson’s residence and emphasized that investigators are widening their probe into possible collaborators or enablers.
“Going back to the group chats real quick, there’s more than 20 individuals,” Patel said. “We, the FBI, are running the investigation point on the Discord chat group. There are scores of individuals that are going to be spoken to.”
Patel confirmed that FBI agents confiscated a range of electronic devices from Robinson’s Utah home and that of his partner. “We’ve seized multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We’ve got computers, we’ve got laptops, gaming systems, cell phones,” Patel explained.
Investigators have reportedly recovered incriminating digital communications. “I won’t stylize the evidence, but I will say what was found in terms of information was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that,” Patel said.
When asked about Robinson’s motive, Patel cited chilling words attributed to the suspect. “And when he was asked why, he said some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”
The revelation of a Discord group linked to Robinson could open new lines of inquiry. Authorities have not confirmed whether any members of the chat encouraged the shooting, but Patel said every individual will be questioned.
Digital forensics experts note that Discord, a popular platform for private and semi-private chatrooms, has been used in previous extremist cases. Investigators will likely examine chat logs, user IDs, and possible financial connections among members.
“The evidence and information will come out,” Patel emphasized, adding that the FBI intends to “follow the facts” wherever they lead.
In a separate interview, Attorney General Bondi stressed that state prosecutors in Utah are moving swiftly to file charges. “They will indict most likely tomorrow or this week, and they will indict him for first-degree murder,” Bondi said.
Under Utah law, capital punishment remains on the books, with lethal injection as the primary method but the firing squad available as an alternative.
Bondi also confirmed that federal prosecutors are reviewing whether Robinson could face additional charges beyond the state indictment. “And then we, as federal prosecutors, we’ll look to see if we have federal charges as well. And of course, if we do, we will also indict and work hand in hand with the state to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law.”
Kirk, 31, was shot shortly after noon on Sept. 10 while delivering remarks on campus as part of TPUSA’s “American Comeback Tour.” Authorities say Robinson positioned himself on a rooftop overlooking the campus green where Kirk was speaking, fired a single shot from a high-powered rifle, and fled the scene.
A husband and father of two, Kirk was rushed from the scene by security personnel but later died of his injuries. His assassination has sent shockwaves through the conservative movement and sparked renewed debate about political violence in the United States.
Thousands attended vigils across Utah and at TPUSA’s Phoenix headquarters in the days following his death. Prominent political figures, including members of the Trump administration and congressional leaders, have vowed to pursue justice and examine whether radical online spaces contributed to Robinson’s actions.
