FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday said investigators recovered a text message exchange in which the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk said he had the opportunity to "take out" Kirk and intended to do so, and later told authorities, "Some hatred cannot be negotiated with."
Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of shooting and killing 31-year-old Kirk from a rooftop several hundred yards away while Kirk was speaking to a large crowd on the campus of Utah Valley University, officials said. Patel discussed the messages during an appearance on Fox News' "Hannity."
"[W]hat was found, in terms of information, a text message exchange where the suspect [Robinson], specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do that," Patel said on the program. "And when [Robinson] was asked why, he said, 'Some hatred cannot be negotiated with.'"
Federal and local authorities have been investigating the shooting, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. Law enforcement officials have described Robinson as the suspect in the rooftop attack; court records and formal charging information were not immediately available on Monday. The FBI director's comments indicated federal agents were involved in the probe.
Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, was speaking to attendees at the university event when the fatal shots were fired. Details provided by authorities have said the shooting originated from a considerable distance, with the suspect firing from an elevated position. Investigators have been working to reconstruct the timeline, identify the weapon used and determine whether additional communications or planning materials exist.
Patel's remarks came amid heightened scrutiny of political violence and targeted attacks on public figures. Officials have not publicly tied the alleged motive in the messages to a broader conspiracy or organization; investigators cautioned against drawing conclusions while evidence is still being collected and reviewed.
The incident prompted a swift law-enforcement response on campus and drew statements of concern from political and community leaders. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story. Further updates and official documents, including charging decisions and investigative findings, are expected as federal and local authorities continue their work.