Newly revealed Discord messages show Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, joking about a “doppelgänger” and discussing the manhunt just hours before his arrest.

In the hours following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, new details have emerged revealing the seemingly casual online behavior of his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, 22.

According to a report from *The New York Times*, Robinson reportedly exchanged a series of Discord messages with friends, joking about a “doppelgänger” and referencing the ongoing manhunt just hours before his arrest.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point Action, was shot while manning one of his signature “prove me wrong” tables on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Within the first 24 hours, the FBI released surveillance images of a person of interest, prompting a nationwide search.

Robinson was arrested 33 hours after the killing, but the Discord messages offer a rare, unsettling glimpse into his mindset during that period.

According to the Times, Robinson was part of a Discord group chat of approximately 20 members. One user tagged him alongside images of the person of interest, writing “wya” — shorthand for “where you at?” — with a skull emoji, noting his resemblance to the suspect.

Robinson allegedly replied that his “doppelgänger” was trying to “get me in trouble.” The playful tone in the messages has raised concerns about how casually he engaged with the situation amid a nationwide manhunt.

Other messages reportedly reveal Robinson joking about turning himself in for a reward: “Only if I get a cut,” he allegedly wrote after a friend suggested the FBI could be notified.

In another exchange, a user referenced Luigi Mangione, the alleged shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, warning Robinson in jest: “Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonald’s anytime soon.”

Robinson’s alleged reply referenced destroying a manifesto and a rifle, showing a disturbing awareness of the gravity of the situation.

Robinson also reportedly commented on ammunition used in the shooting, noting hearsay about inscriptions related to transgender issues, which were later confirmed to be inaccurate.

At one point, he allegedly joked, “I’m actually Charlie Kirk and wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death, now I can live out my dream life in Kansas.”

These Discord exchanges, circulating among the small online group, provide a stark contrast to the seriousness of the crime.

Robinson’s communications allegedly demonstrated a mixture of humor, detachment, and calculated awareness, reflecting a troubling level of nonchalance amid the unfolding manhunt.

Following the shooting, Robinson reportedly confessed to family members, and he was arrested at 10 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The Discord messages had been sent just hours earlier, highlighting the bizarre juxtaposition between casual online joking and real-world violence.

Users in the chat reportedly struggled to process the reality, writing messages such as, “I truly cannot distinguish if this is for real,” and, “Our governor wants to give him the death penalty dude.”

A spokesperson for Discord confirmed the messages’ authenticity but clarified that there is “no evidence” Robinson planned the killing on the platform. According to Discord, the suspect’s account was removed for violating the company’s off-platform behavior policy.

The spokesperson emphasized that “the messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details do not appear to be Discord messages.

These were communications between the suspect’s roommate and a friend after the shooting, where the roommate was recounting the contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere.”

The case has ignited national debate over political violence, online discourse, and the responsibilities of social media platforms. Kirk’s death has drawn widespread attention due to his high-profile role in conservative political activism.

President Donald Trump and other Republican figures have publicly condemned the shooting, while local authorities have ramped up efforts to understand Robinson’s motives.

Prior to the shooting, Robinson reportedly had no known criminal history, but the Discord messages paint a complex portrait of someone seemingly capable of separating real-world consequences from online banter.

Investigators continue to review his digital footprint, personal communications, and social connections to construct a timeline of his movements and mindset leading up to the incident.

The FBI’s initial release of surveillance images aimed to leverage public assistance in identifying the suspect, ultimately leading to Robinson’s arrest.

Law enforcement officials have praised the quick apprehension, citing the combination of traditional investigative work and digital intelligence.

Charlie Kirk, 27, had built a reputation as a provocative commentator and organizer of youth conservative movements. His death has sparked a mix of grief, outrage, and political commentary across social media and news outlets.

Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and supporters, while authorities continue to work through the complex legal and investigative landscape surrounding the case.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are examining not only Robinson’s actions but also the broader environment of online communities and social media platforms where discussions about politics, identity, and violence can intersect.

Discord has pledged continued cooperation with law enforcement while emphasizing its commitment to safety and moderation policies.

The chilling juxtaposition of humor, casual conversation, and deadly consequences in Robinson’s Discord messages serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous intersections of online behavior and real-world actions.

As the case moves forward, public attention remains focused on both the circumstances of Kirk’s death and the responsibilities of individuals and digital platforms in preventing similar tragedies.

Robinson faces multiple charges related to the shooting, and the upcoming legal proceedings are expected to draw intense media scrutiny. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding Robinson’s activities leading up to the shooting to come forward.

Meanwhile, the Kirk family continues to grieve the loss of a son, father, and activist, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.

The investigation into Tyler Robinson’s motives, background, and online communications will likely remain a focal point in discussions about crime, politics, and social media for months to come, underscoring the complex interplay between digital communities and real-life actions.

This case raises difficult questions about the line between online joking and criminal intent, and it will remain under scrutiny as law enforcement and the courts work to bring clarity and justice to the tragic death of Charlie Kirk.