Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson is said to have used Discord to hint at his plans, but the company behind the app have disputed some claims. Investigators interviewed the 22-year-old’s roomate, who showed them exchanges on the messaging app between him and an accounted named “Tyler”.
“Tyler” described needing to get a “unique” rifle, leaving it in a bush, watching over the area, and wrapping it in a towel. The account also sent messages mentioning engraving bullets and a scope. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said officials found a bolt action rifle, with a scope, wrapped in a dark towel, and inscriptions on the bullet casings. One inscription read: “Notices bulges owo.” Others included: “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “o bella ciao, bella ciao” and “if you read this you are gay lmao”.
A Discord spokesperson told NBC News that the company did identify an account belonging to Robinson, but the messages referenced by Mr Cox were not sent on the app.
The spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our condolences to the Kirk family and everyone affected.
“In the course of our investigation, we identified a Discord account associated with the suspect, but have found no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord.
“The messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details do not appear to be Discord messages.
“These were communications between the suspect’s roommate and a friend after the shooting, where the roommate was recounting the contents of a note the suspect had left elsewhere.
“We have removed the suspect’s account for violating our off-platform behavior policy. We strongly condemn violence of any kind, including political violence, and we will continue to coordinate closely with law enforcement.”