Crime
Charlie Kirk Suspect Tyler Robinson Confessed in Discord Chat Before Surrender, “It Was Me at UVU Yesterday”
The 22-year-old suspect accused in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly confessed to friends in an online chat shortly before surrendering to law enforcement, according to two individuals familiar with the conversation and screenshots obtained by investigators.
Messages reviewed from the social platform Discord show an account belonging to Tyler Robinson posting a striking admission on Thursday evening.
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” Robinson’s account wrote. “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
The message was sent around 7:57 p.m. local time in Utah, roughly two hours before officials confirmed Robinson turned himself in to authorities.
A member of the group chat, which reportedly included about 30 people, provided screenshots of the exchange and confirmed that the account belonged to Robinson.
The individual, who requested anonymity due to fears of harassment, said the group had been reacting in real time to news of Kirk’s shooting at Utah Valley University the day prior.
“Charlie Kirk got shot,” one user wrote Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the incident.
“I just saw the video, holy s—,” another added about 90 minutes later. “Bro didn’t deserve to go out like that, sad.”
Robinson’s account did not respond to those comments until the following day when he issued what appeared to be a farewell.
“I’m surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments,” he continued. “Thanks for all the good times and laughs. You’ve all been so amazing. Thank you all for everything.”
Law enforcement has not yet publicly commented on the authenticity of the Discord messages, though investigators are examining Robinson’s online activity as part of the ongoing case.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.