Utah Department of Public Safety
The alleged shooter of conservative figure the political commentator reportedly claim responsibility for the shooting on the messaging platform Discord, a platform representative has verified.
As stated by the representative, Tyler Robinson contacted acquaintances in a chat on the platform hours before he was taken into custody last week in relation to Kirk's shooting at an gathering at a local college.
"It was me at UVU yesterday. I apologize for everything," reads a communication from an profile that allegedly is linked to the accused, according to the spokesperson and a official insider.
Mr Robinson, who has still not been formally charged, is scheduled to face a judge on Tuesday.
Arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, illegal use of a firearm and interfering with the investigation, he may be subject to the capital punishment.
The Discord messages said to be from Mr Robinson, first reported by the a major newspaper, are apparently composed and shared towards the end of a manhunt for Kirk's killer that continued more than a day.
Kirk, thirty-one, who was a polarizing personality in US politics and a trusted ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking at Utah Valley University on that day at an outdoor gathering held by a conservative group - the organisation he helped establish - when he was struck in the upper body by a gunshot.
The killing of the popular online influencer provoked anger, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other of spreading divisive language, and a hunt for his assailant.
Officials have stated that the suspect and his friends exchanged messages about the shooting before his arrest in a group chat on the platform involving over 20 people.
The company representative clarified that an internal investigation had found "no evidence that the suspect planned this event or promoted violence on our service".
Mr Robinson is said to have been questioned by others in the group about whether he was the gunman, which he seemingly acknowledged, and there were also comments from a participant about him needing to avoid a fast-food restaurant.
Communications from the profile linked to Mr Robinson also indicate that he was planning to surrender to authorities.
"im surrendering through a law enforcement contact in a short while, thanks for all the good times and fun, you've all been so wonderful, thank you all for all your support," reads one.
It was stated that the accused was refusing to collaborate with officials but his roommate was among those who did cooperate.
Investigators have been working to determine a motive for the killing.
Official documents examined indicate that the suspect had in the past registered as an nonpartisan voter.
However, according to sources, a family member told investigators that Mr Robinson had become "increasingly ideological" in recent years and had specifically mentioned Kirk's impending visit during a dinner.
One of the former president’s top officials has claimed there was an coordinated effort behind the assassination but no evidence has been provided so far that indicates the suspect was acting as part of a larger network.
Investigators are also looking at online profiles associated with Mr Robinson, and any indications that anyone may have been aware of or encouraged the shooting in advance.
EPA/Shutterstock
The victim, a devout Christian, was a strong supporter of firearm ownership, strongly against abortion, was critical of LGBTQ+ issues, and promoted misinformation about Covid-19.
Those who admired him stated he was approachable, empathized with their concerns and was able to hold respectful conversations with those he held opposing views to.
However, his views drew fierce liberal criticism, with his critics calling his comments deeply offensive to some minority groups, including the LGBTQ+ community and followers of Islam.
The organization, which Kirk established, aimed to spread conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a significant part in getting people to support Trump and other GOP contenders in the election last year.
