New investigative details have emerged regarding the fatal shooting of a conservative political figure last month, revealing that the alleged gunman returned to the scene hours later in an attempt to retrieve the murder weapon.
Authorities confirm that on the night of September 10, following the on-campus shooting, the suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, went back to the wooded area where he had discarded his rifle. His effort was interrupted, however, when he encountered a law enforcement officer stationed on the perimeter of the locked-down university campus. Officials state this officer’s presence likely prevented Robinson from reclaiming the firearm.
In a briefing, a state public safety commissioner disclosed that Robinson “did make contact with an officer” during this return, though the specifics of that interaction remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The timeline of the suspect’s movements after the attack is also coming into focus. Investigators report that Robinson visited a restaurant and made a food purchase, behaving in what was described as a “normal” manner before ultimately being persuaded by his family to surrender to authorities.
Prior to turning himself in, Robinson reportedly communicated with a roommate via text message, admitting to the shooting and expressing his motive. “I had enough of his hatred,” he wrote of the victim, adding, “Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” In these messages, he also detailed his plan to retrieve the rifle, noting that a police presence in the area had complicated his attempt.
Robinson now faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. The victim is survived by a spouse and two children.
