Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Allegedly Sent Casual Message About Attack 80 Minutes Later: Report

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly sent online messages referencing the shooting roughly 80 minutes after the attack.

Earlier that morning, Robinson had been exchanging routine messages with a friend on Discord, including sharing the results of an online word puzzle game. Authorities allege that Robinson later traveled to the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, where Kirk was scheduled to speak at an outdoor Turning Point USA event.

Kirk was shot during the appearance and died from his injuries.

About 80 minutes after the shooting, Robinson allegedly messaged the same friend on Discord, writing, “you see this news?????”

In subsequent messages, Robinson allegedly wrote, “utah gets a national headline for the first time in a while and it’s someone sliming charlie kirk,” followed by, “no like an hour ago,” and, “he’s reported dead, and the footage looks BAD,” according to the Washington Post, which reviewed digital messages as part of its investigative reporting.

Later that day, Robinson joined a Discord voice chat with two other friends and asked whether they knew about the shooting, the Post reported. One friend recalled that Robinson said, “He got hit pretty bad,” and added, “I’m pretty sure he’s dead,” according to the outlet. The friends spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Authorities allege Robinson fled the scene following the shooting and was later arrested after a family member contacted law enforcement, PEOPLE previously reported. He has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses and has not yet entered a plea as of Wednesday, Dec. 17.

He made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 11, where lawyers argued about media potentially filming upcoming court proceedings and public access to case information, PEOPLE previously reported.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty in the case.

The Washington Post reported that it later reached Robinson by video call at the Utah County Jail where he is being held. Robinson allegedly declined to answer questions, telling reporters, “I can’t answer any questions,” and later asked that communication be limited to writing. His attorneys declined to comment.