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Utah Division of Public Safety

The accused shooter of right-wing activist the political commentator appeared to claim responsibility for the incident on the online service the chat app, a platform representative has confirmed.

As stated by the spokesperson, the 22-year-old suspect contacted acquaintances in a group on Discord hours prior to he was taken into custody last week in relation to Kirk's shooting at an event at a local college.

"I was the one at the university yesterday. I apologize for all of this," reads a communication from an profile that reportedly belongs to the accused, based on the representative and a law enforcement source.

Mr Robinson, who has not yet been officially indicted, is due to face a judge on Tuesday.

Arrested on allegations of homicide, illegal use of a firearm and obstruction of justice, he could face the death penalty.

The online communications believed to be from Mr Robinson, initially revealed by the Washington Post, are thought to have been composed and shared towards the end of a manhunt for Kirk's killer that lasted over a day.

The victim, thirty-one, who was a controversial figure in American political circles and a trusted ally of President Donald Trump, was addressing the crowd at the educational institution on Wednesday at an open-air event organized by Turning Point USA - the entity he helped establish - when he was struck in the upper body by a single bullet.

The death of the popular online influencer provoked anger, with political rivals accusing each other of promoting hateful rhetoric, and a search for his assailant.

Officials have indicated that the suspect and his friends exchanged messages about the incident before his arrest in a online discussion on Discord including more than 20 people.

The company representative said that an company review had found "no evidence that the suspect premeditated this incident or promoted violence on Discord".

The individual is reportedly questioned by others in the group about whether he was the shooter, which he seemingly acknowledged, and there were also jokes from one member about him needing to avoid McDonald's.

Messages from the profile linked to Mr Robinson also suggest that he was intending to hand himself in.

"I am turning myself in through a law enforcement contact in a few moments, thank you for the memories and fun, everyone has been so wonderful, thank you all for all your support," reads one.

It was stated that the accused was refusing to collaborate with officials but his housemate was among those who did cooperate.

Authorities have been working to determine a reason for the shooting.

Official documents reviewed suggest that Mr Robinson had in the past been listed as an nonpartisan elector.

Nevertheless, according to reports, a family member told authorities that he had become "more political" in recent years and had specifically mentioned the upcoming event during a family meal.

Among Donald Trump's top officials has claimed there was an coordinated effort behind the killing but nothing concrete has been provided so far that suggests Mr Robinson was acting as part of a larger network.

Law enforcement are also examining social media accounts used by the accused, and any indications that others may have been aware of or supported the attack beforehand.

EPA/Shutterstock

The victim, a religious individual, was a advocate of gun rights, strongly against termination, was critical of transgender and gay rights, and promoted false claims about Covid-19.

Those who admired him said he was relatable, empathized with their worries and was able to hold civil discussions with those he held opposing views to.

However, his opinions drew strong opposition from progressives, with his critics calling his comments deeply offensive to some minority groups, including LGBT people and Muslims.

Turning Point USA, which he co-founded, aimed to promote conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a significant part in getting people to support Trump and other Republican candidates in the election last year.