Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident arrested for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, made a peculiar claim on Discord, according to The New York Times. Hours after the incident, Robinson allegedly posted in a group chat that his “doppelganger” was responsible for the killing, suggesting the lookalike aimed to frame him.
Kirk, a prominent figure and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck during a university event, prompting a 33-hour manhunt that ended with Robinson’s arrest on Thursday night. Authorities confirmed Robinson’s capture after he either confessed or implied his involvement to a family friend, who alerted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, as stated by Utah Governor Spencer Cox during a press conference. The New York Post and Fox News reported that Robinson’s father played a key role in turning him in.
In the Discord chat, a user jokingly tagged Robinson’s username alongside surveillance images, asking, “wya” (where you at) with a skull emoji. Robinson responded swiftly, claiming his doppelganger was trying to “get me in trouble.” The conversation took an ironic turn as the group, including Robinson, discussed framing him for the $100,000 FBI reward, with Robinson quipping he’d participate if he got a share. The New York Times verified these messages through a former schoolmate of Robinson who shared the screenshots.
Investigators found a Mauser .30-caliber rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the campus, along with bullet casings inscribed with anti-fascist messages, such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “Bella ciao,” a nod to an Italian anti-fascist song, according to Cox. Robinson, who briefly studied electrical engineering before dropping out, had reportedly expressed disdain for Kirk at a family dinner, describing him as “full of hate.” No clear motive has been disclosed by authorities.
Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Makes Strange Doppelganger Claim on Discord
