The roommate of the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk had one question.
Why?
I had enough of his hatred, Tyler Robinson wrote back. Some hate can't be negotiated out. On Tuesday, authorities released messages between Robinson and the roommate from the hours after the shooting. Officials have said the unnamed roommate was a biological male who was transitioning from man to woman and was in a romantic relationship with the defendant.
Prosecutors provided details that could indicate a possible motive – although much is still unknown. According to an indictment, Robinson's mother informed police that he had become more politically active in the past year, leaning towards left-wing, pro-gay, and pro-trans-rights views. In family conversations prior to the shooting, he allegedly accused Kirk of spreading hate. Robinson reportedly stated, I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.\
During a news conference, Utah County prosecutor Jeff Gray mentioned that the roommate did not delete the messages, as Robinson had requested, but instead provided them to police.
Messages on Shell Casings
The messages, alongside conversations with family members, play a critical role in the indictment against Robinson and offer insights into his mental state. Investigators also discovered four shell casings near a rifle in a wooded area close to Utah Valley University. These casings were engraved with messages that have sparked speculation about the motive behind the shooting. One shell casing bore the words Hey fascist! Catch!, possibly referencing a video game, while another featured a lyric from the Italian resistance song, Bella Ciao.
The messages exchanged between Robinson and his roommate revealed that Robinson planned the attack for over a week.
What Don't We Know?
Despite emerging details, many questions remain regarding Robinson's specific objections to Kirk and how he was radicalized. Authorities have maintained a tight-lipped stance regarding the role of Robinson's political views in the shooting. FBI Director Patel noted that several individuals are under investigation for possible connections to the incident.
Partisan Activists Fuel Speculation
The aftermath of Kirk's murder has intensified online debate, with accusations flying from both right- and left-wing activists. Some right-wing influencers allege that the shooting was orchestrated by a group inspired by transgender activism, while others on the left label Robinson as a supporter of extremist views. As investigations continue, it highlights the societal scramble for meaning in the wake of violence.