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Utah Department of Public Safety

The accused killer of right-wing activist the political commentator reportedly take responsibility for the shooting on the online service Discord, a platform representative has confirmed.

According to the representative, the 22-year-old suspect contacted acquaintances in a group on the platform hours before he was taken into custody last week in connection with the attack on Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University.

"I was the one at the university yesterday. I apologize for all of this," states a message from an account that reportedly is linked to Mr Robinson, according to the representative and a official insider.

The suspect, who has still not been formally charged, is scheduled to face a judge on Tuesday.

Taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated murder, illegal use of a firearm and obstruction of justice, he may be subject to the capital punishment.

The online communications said to be from the accused, first reported by the Washington Post, are apparently composed and shared near the conclusion of a manhunt for the perpetrator that continued over a day.

Kirk, thirty-one, who was a polarizing personality in US politics and a trusted ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking at the educational institution on Wednesday at an open-air event held by Turning Point USA - the entity he helped establish - when he was struck in the neck by a single bullet.

The death of the well-known social media personality sparked anger, with political rivals accusing each other of spreading hateful rhetoric, and a hunt for his killer.

Law enforcement sources have indicated that the suspect and his friends bantered about the shooting before his arrest in a online discussion on Discord involving more than twenty people.

The spokesperson for the platform said that an internal investigation had found "no evidence that the accused planned this incident or promoted violence on our service".

The individual is said to have been asked by friends about whether he was the gunman, which he seemingly acknowledged, and there were also jokes from a participant about him needing to avoid McDonald's.

Communications from the profile thought to belong to the suspect also suggest that he was planning to hand himself in.

"I am turning myself in through a law enforcement contact in a few moments, thanks for all the good times and fun, everyone has been so wonderful, gratitude to everyone for all your support," states a message.

It was stated that Mr Robinson was refusing to collaborate with authorities but his housemate was among those who were.

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

Public records examined suggest that Mr Robinson had in the past been listed as an unaffiliated voter.

However, as per reports, a family member told authorities that Mr Robinson had become "more political" in the past few years and had brought up Kirk's impending visit during a dinner.

One of the former president’s top officials has alleged there was an coordinated effort behind the assassination but no evidence has been presented so far that indicates Mr Robinson was working as part of a larger network.

Law enforcement are also examining social media accounts used by Mr Robinson, and any signs that others may have been aware of or encouraged the attack beforehand.

EPA/Shutterstock

Kirk, a devout Christian, was a strong supporter of gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender and gay rights, and shared misinformation about the pandemic.

Those who admired him stated he was relatable, understood their concerns and was able to hold respectful conversations with those he held opposing views to.

However, his opinions drew strong opposition from progressives, with his critics calling his comments highly disrespectful to some communities, including the LGBTQ+ community and Muslims.

Turning Point USA, which he established, aimed to promote right-leaning values at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a significant part in getting people to vote for the former president and other Republican candidates in the vote recently.