A 22-year-old alleged assassin casually shared his daily Wordle score with his roommate just minutes before climbing onto a university rooftop and firing the single bullet that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Story Highlights
- Tyler James Robinson allegedly sent mundane text messages, including Wordle scores, within 30 minutes of assassinating Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
- Prosecutors cite these casual communications as evidence of calculated premeditation rather than impulsive violence
- The 22-year-old planned the September 10, 2025 shooting for over a week, including engraving anti-police phrases on bullets
- Robinson faces the death penalty for the politically motivated assassination of the Turning Point USA founder
The Chilling Banality of Premeditated Murder
Court documents reveal Robinson exchanged routine messages about word puzzles and everyday topics with his transgender roommate while simultaneously executing his plan to kill Kirk. This jarring juxtaposition of mundane digital behavior alongside deadly intent has become central to prosecutors’ case for premeditation. The casual nature of these communications demonstrates Robinson maintained complete composure as he approached his target.
Robinson’s digital footprint shows he spent just over a week planning Kirk’s assassination, discussing rifle placement, surveillance of drop sites, and preparing engraved bullets with anti-police phrases. His ability to compartmentalize ordinary social interactions while preparing for political violence illustrates the calculated nature of his actions.
A Sniper’s Nest in Broad Daylight
On September 10, 2025, Robinson arrived at Utah Valley University at 8:29 a.m., hours before Kirk’s noon event. Surveillance footage captured his methodical movements across campus as approximately 3,000 attendees gathered to hear the conservative activist speak about gun violence. The irony was not lost on investigators who noted Kirk was discussing firearms policy when Robinson’s bullet struck his neck.
At 12:15 p.m., Robinson entered the Losee Center and climbed to the roof, establishing a sniper position 430 feet from his target. Court records show he was prone and ready to fire by 12:22 p.m. One minute and thirty seconds later, Kirk collapsed on stage, fatally wounded. The precision timing and distant positioning demonstrate this was no crime of passion but a methodically executed assassination.
The Digital Trail That Sealed His Fate
Robinson’s own communications became the prosecution’s strongest evidence. His roommate, described as “aghast and shocked” by the revelation, cooperated fully with investigators. The text messages revealed Robinson’s week-long preparation, including discussions about retrieving rifles, hiding weapons, and surveilling locations. Most disturbing was his calm demeanor in routine conversations occurring simultaneously with his deadly preparations.
A 33-hour manhunt ended when Robinson’s own family provided the crucial tip to law enforcement after he allegedly implied he had shot Kirk. His capture at his Washington, Utah home on September 11-12, 2025, came after Utah Governor Spencer Cox mobilized multiple law enforcement agencies in one of the state’s most intensive criminal pursuits.
Political Violence Meets Modern Justice
Robinson’s transformation from his family’s conservative values to radical opposition against Kirk’s views on LGBTQ+ rights apparently motivated the assassination. Court documents suggest his relationship with his transgender roommate influenced his political evolution, though prosecutors emphasize Robinson alone bears responsibility for choosing violence over democratic discourse. His engraved bullets reading “Hey, fascist, catch…” reveal the symbolic nature of his intended message.
The case represents a disturbing trend of lone-actor political violence targeting high-profile conservative figures. Robinson’s December 11, 2025 court appearance showed him smirking and seemingly indifferent to the gravity of capital murder charges. His next hearing scheduled for January 16, 2026, will likely determine whether he enters a plea in what prosecutors call a clear-cut case warranting the death penalty.
Sources:
Assassination of Charlie Kirk – Wikipedia
