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State Department of Public Safety

The accused killer of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk appeared to claim responsibility for the shooting on the messaging platform Discord, a company spokesperson has confirmed.

As stated by the representative, the 22-year-old suspect messaged friends in a group on the platform hours prior to he was taken into custody last week in relation to the attack on Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University.

"It was me at UVU that day. I apologize for all of this," states a communication from an profile that allegedly is linked to the accused, according to the representative and a official insider.

Mr Robinson, who has not yet been officially indicted, is scheduled to face a judge on this week.

Arrested on allegations of homicide, felony discharge of a weapon and obstruction of justice, he could face the capital punishment.

The Discord messages believed to be from Mr Robinson, initially revealed by the Washington Post, are apparently written and posted towards the end of a manhunt for the perpetrator that lasted more than a day.

Kirk, 31, who was a controversial figure in American political circles and a trusted ally of former President Trump, was addressing the crowd at the educational institution on Wednesday at an open-air event organized by Turning Point USA - the organisation he co-founded - when he was hit in the upper body by a single bullet.

The killing of the popular social media personality provoked outrage, with political rivals accusing each other of promoting divisive language, and a search for his killer.

Officials have stated that Mr Robinson and his associates exchanged messages about the shooting prior to his apprehension in a online discussion on the platform involving more than 20 people.

The company representative clarified that an internal investigation had found "no evidence that the accused premeditated this incident or promoted violence on our service".

The individual is said to have been asked by friends about whether he was the shooter, which he did not appear to reject, and there were also comments from one member about him needing to avoid McDonald's.

Communications from the profile thought to belong to Mr Robinson also suggest that he was intending to surrender to authorities.

"I am turning myself in via a sheriff friend in a few moments, thank you for the memories and fun, everyone has been so amazing, thank you all for everything," reads one.

It was stated that Mr Robinson was not co-operating with officials but his housemate was among those who did cooperate.

Investigators have been trying to establish a reason for the shooting.

Official documents examined indicate that the suspect had in the past been listed as an unaffiliated voter.

However, as per reports, a relative told investigators that he had become "more political" in recent years and had brought up Kirk's impending visit during a family meal.

Among the former president’s top officials has claimed there was an organised campaign behind the killing but nothing concrete has been provided so far that suggests the suspect was acting as part of a larger network.

Investigators are also examining social media accounts used by Mr Robinson, and any signs that anyone may have been aware of or supported the attack in advance.

EPA/Shutterstock

The victim, a religious individual, was a strong supporter of gun rights, strongly against termination, was skeptical about LGBTQ+ issues, and promoted false claims about Covid-19.

His supporters said he was approachable, empathized with their worries and was able to hold civil discussions with those he held opposing views to.

But, his opinions drew fierce liberal criticism, with his critics calling his comments highly disrespectful to some minority groups, including LGBT people and followers of Islam.

The organization, which Kirk co-founded, aimed to promote conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a key role in getting people to vote for the former president and other Republican candidates in the election recently.