Alleged Gunman Wrote Letter About 'Opportunity to Take Out Charlie Kirk'

Court documents reveal new details about the fatal shooting of the conservative activist in Utah.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:05pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence of a deadly act of political violence.A single bullet casing, the only physical evidence left behind after a deadly act of political violence, captures the stark, gritty reality of the tragedy.Provo Today

According to newly unsealed court documents, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly told his boyfriend that he had the 'opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.' The documents state that Tyler Robinson sent his boyfriend a message on the day of the shooting, asking him to look under his keyboard, where a handwritten letter was found expressing Robinson's intent to carry out the attack.

Why it matters

The alleged shooting of Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, has sparked outrage and renewed debates around political violence and extremism in the United States. The revelation of the alleged gunman's premeditated plans adds further complexity to the case and raises questions about security measures for public figures.

The details

According to the search warrant affidavit, on Sept. 10, 2025, the day of the shooting, Robinson allegedly sent his boyfriend a message that said, 'drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.' The boyfriend told police that he found a handwritten letter under the keyboard, which stated, 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I don't know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you.' Robinson is accused of shooting and killing Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He allegedly fled the scene but later surrendered to authorities on the night of Sept. 11.

  • On September 10, 2025, the day of the shooting, Robinson allegedly sent his boyfriend a message to look under his keyboard.
  • On September 11, 2025, Robinson surrendered to authorities after allegedly fleeing the scene of the shooting.

The players

Tyler Robinson

The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk

The founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.

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What they’re saying

“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I don't know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you.”

— Tyler Robinson, Alleged Gunman

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tyler Robinson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about political violence and extremism in the United States, as well as the need for increased security measures to protect public figures, especially those with high profiles and controversial views.