Investigators say Robinson confessed to his family, left bizarre political messages on bullet casings, and was unknowingly recorded admitting to the crime.

UTAH — The case surrounding the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk took another dramatic turn this week after law enforcement sources confirmed the FBI has obtained secret recordings of the accused shooter admitting to the crime without realizing he was being filmed.

The evidence threatens to destroy any defense strategy for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man now facing the possibility of the death penalty.

Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was killed on September 10 during a campus event at Utah Valley University.

A single sniper shot struck him in the neck as he fielded questions from students, silencing one of the most prominent voices in America’s conservative movement. The murder has sent political shockwaves across the country and sparked outrage among his supporters worldwide.

Robinson, who was arrested less than 48 hours later, has refused to cooperate with federal investigators.

Sources close to the FBI say that he has remained completely silent during questioning, declining to provide a motive or explanation. But investigators believe they already have all they need.

In addition to forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and digital communications, Robinson allegedly confessed to family members before his arrest — and some of those conversations were captured in secret recordings now in the hands of federal agents.

According to Governor Spencer Cox, who was briefed on the investigation, Robinson first mentioned Kirk in a heated family dinner conversation days before the assassination.

Relatives reported that Robinson described Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate,” and investigators now plan to use that testimony to show premeditation.

When the FBI released surveillance photos of the suspected shooter, it was Robinson’s father who recognized him. Law enforcement officials say the father confronted his son, and Robinson admitted to carrying out the attack.

Shockingly, Robinson allegedly told relatives he would rather die than surrender, forcing his family to involve a local pastor to help arrange his safe handover to U.S. Marshals.

“This wasn’t some spur-of-the-moment action,” a senior law enforcement source said. “We have family testimony, digital communications, physical evidence, and now recordings that prove planning and intent.”

The portrait of Robinson that has emerged is as troubling as it is complex. Far from a stereotypical portrait of a violent extremist, Robinson was once considered a model student.

He graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA, scored a 34 on the ACT — placing him in the top one percent of students nationwide — and earned a full presidential scholarship to Utah State University.

Friends and teachers described him as “quiet, respectful, and smart,” the kind of student teachers were proud to see succeed.

But something shifted after Robinson abruptly dropped out of college during his first semester. Investigators say he grew increasingly isolated, spending hours online and engaging in heated political discussions on platforms like Discord.

His transformation from honor student to accused assassin has left both neighbors and experts stunned. “He fits the classic profile of someone who falls into a rabbit hole of disillusionment and radicalization,” said criminologist Jillian Snyder.

The FBI’s evidence extends far beyond family testimony. Investigators recovered Robinson’s rifle wrapped in a towel, along with bullet casings inscribed with bizarre and inflammatory messages.

Some were overtly political, including “Hey fascists catch” and references to anti-fascist anthems.

Others were juvenile taunts such as “if you read this you’re gay lmao.” Snyder noted the strange combination of meticulous planning and immaturity:

“There was a huge degree of preparation — he found a sniper position 200 yards away — but he left DNA evidence at the scene and openly discussed his plans online. It was sophisticated and sloppy all at once.”

The FBI also obtained cooperation from Robinson’s transgender roommate, who turned over Discord messages in which Robinson reportedly detailed his rifle preparations and plans for the attack. Federal prosecutors argue this digital footprint alone could convict him.

Despite overwhelming evidence, Robinson has reportedly maintained an air of arrogance in custody. “He’s not cooperating, not saying a word,” one federal investigator said. “He thinks silence makes him look strong, but the case is airtight without him.”

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has already begun to reshape the conservative political landscape. Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA at 18, grew the group into a powerful national network with hundreds of chapters on college campuses.

Known for his combative debates with students, he wielded outsized influence in Republican politics. Former President Donald Trump, who credited Kirk with mobilizing young voters, has publicly called for Robinson to face “the ultimate punishment.”

Kirk’s widow, Erica, delivered an emotional statement after Robinson’s arrest. “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” she said. “The movement my husband built will not stop.

It won’t.” Other conservative leaders, including Ben Shapiro, vowed to carry on Kirk’s work, calling it “a blood-stained microphone we cannot afford to drop.”

International reactions have been equally intense. Protests erupted in the United Kingdom in the days following Kirk’s death, with demonstrators citing his message as inspiration.

Across the U.S., students have held vigils and memorials on campuses where Kirk frequently spoke. At the same time, heated debates have erupted online, with critics and supporters of Kirk clashing over his legacy.

Legal experts say Robinson could face both state and federal charges, potentially including multiple death penalty cases.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated that the Department of Justice will pursue federal charges related to political violence and interstate communications. Pre-trial detention is considered certain.

“This is one of the most significant domestic political assassinations in decades,” said Snyder.

“And the fact that the suspect was a young man with every advantage in life makes it even more chilling. It shows how quickly radicalization can upend not only an individual’s life but the entire political climate of a nation.”

The trial, expected to begin sometime next year, will likely be one of the most closely watched in recent memory.

With Robinson’s family set to testify, his roommate cooperating, and federal investigators holding both physical and digital evidence, prosecutors believe the outcome is all but inevitable.

As America grapples with the fallout, the killing of Charlie Kirk has already become more than a tragedy — it has become a rallying cry, a political flashpoint, and a case study in the dangers of ideological extremism.