FBI investigating Discord chat where Charlie Kirk slaying suspect talked about plans

The FBI’s investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now looking at those who were on an online gaming chat where the suspect is believed to have talked about his plans.

Authorities have said Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old arrested for the killing, had an account on Discord, a chat app used by those who play computer games. Mr. Robinson’s boyfriend, who is also his roommate, later shared messages where the suspect is alleged to have discussed the aftermath of the killing.

FBI Director Kash Patel said that chat is now a focus of the ongoing probe into the killing, and the bureau has moved to gain access to the full chat to serve as leads.

“We’re also going to be investigating anyone and everyone involved in that Discord chat,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee during testimony Tuesday.

Sen. Josh Hawley, Missouri Republican, then said he’d seen reporting that the chat involved about 20 people.

“It’s a lot more than that, and we’re running them all down,” Mr. Patel said. “Every single one.”

Discord has said publicly that it doesn’t see evidence in the chat that Mr. Robinson talked about his plans ahead of time, but did seem to confess to the killing afterward.

“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all,” he said in one message first reported by The Washington Post. “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”

Others in the chat also noted that the photos released publicly of the shooting suspect matched Mr. Robinson.

That has led to speculation that there could be others charged.

“Others could have been involved?” said Sen. John Kennedy, Louisiana Republican.

“Yes​ sir,” Mr. Patel replied.

More broadly, Mr. Patel said the FBI is taking a deep look at the root causes of ideological violence.

He said that includes following “the money” that may be helping fuel the situation, such as paying for training or the online platforms where information is being shared.

“We are going to hold them accountable,” he said.

Asked if any of the fomenting money was coming from “overseas,” he simply said “Yes.”