WBAP/Fox News Channel
UPDATE: 09/12 11:43 AM – SALT LAKE CITY – (WBAP/KLIF) – The suspect arrested and accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is identified by officials as 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson.
Robinson is in custody and expected to be charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause affadavit. These charges come from the state of Utah.
Investigators at a Salt Lake City news conference Friday morning said Discord message reviewed by police indicated Robinson engraved writings on bullets used, and the rifle and scope he used were “unique”. Officials have recovered a bolt-action rifle from a wooded area on the edge of Utah Valley University, where the shooting death of Kirk occurred.
Officials found a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark towel yesterday in a wooded area on the edge of Utah Valley University. Cox said it was a Mauser model 98 bolt-action rifle. It had a scope mounted on it.
Authorities say engravings found on casings associated with the weapon allegedly used by Robinson include “Hey fascists! Catch!” with an up arrow, a right arrow and three down arrows. Another, reported to be “Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao” is a line from the Italian folk song “Bella Ciao,” meaning “Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful goodbye goodbye goodbye”. The phrase, and the song it comes from, symbolizes goodbye to a sweetheart to fight for freedom and resistance against oppression, particularly the anti-fascist movement during World War II.” Another is reported as reading, “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.”
Aurhorities say the man accused of assassinating Kirk expressed opposition to the conservative activist’s viewpoints and indicated that he was responsible for the shooting. Further, officials maintain Robinson had become “more political” in the run-up to the shooting and mentioned during a dinner with family that Kirk would be visiting Utah.
Charges are expected to be laid against Robinson early next week; perhaps as soon as Monday. The investigation continues.
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The announcement was made this morning by President Trump after the FBI released numerous pictures and videos of the suspect. This is a developing story.