The Discord messaging platform has become central to the investigation into the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with authorities revealing that suspect Tyler Robinson used the gaming app to discuss weapon logistics before the shooting. Robinson, 22, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt following Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University on September 11, 2025.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced Friday that investigators found messages from Robinson on Discord detailing plans to retrieve a rifle from what he called a “drop point.” The messages also referenced leaving the weapon in a bush and watching the area where it was hidden. According to Cox, these communications helped authorities locate the murder weapon, which was found wrapped in a towel exactly as described in the suspect’s messages.
Robinson’s roommate provided investigators with the Discord messages, which included references to the rifle being “unique” and mentions of engraving bullets. The discovery highlights how the gaming app has become key evidence in the murder case, with the suspect’s digital communications providing crucial details about his weapon preparation. According to Fox News, Discord officials stated they found no evidence that Robinson used the platform to plan the incident or promote violence before the shooting.
Discord’s troubled history with extremist content
The Charlie Kirk case marks another instance where Discord has been linked to violent attacks. The platform previously faced scrutiny after the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting, where the gunman documented his racist plans on a private Discord server for months before killing 10 people. The shooter shared access to his planning diary with other users just 30 minutes before the attack began.
Discord also played a role in organizing the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where white nationalists used the platform to coordinate their deadly gathering. Following that incident, Discord banned several far-right communities and increased its safety team from one person to roughly 60 employees, representing 15 percent of its workforce.
The platform faced additional criticism after the Highland Park shooting in 2022, where the suspect maintained a Discord server containing graphic content about violence and death. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin has pressed Discord leadership about their role in spreading extremist content, noting the pattern of attackers using the platform.
New Jersey sued Discord in April 2025, alleging the company failed to protect children from predators and violent content despite marketing itself as safe. The lawsuit claims Discord’s default settings make it easy for adults to contact minors and that the platform’s safety features are easily circumvented by those with harmful intentions. Discord serves over 200 million monthly users, with children making up a significant portion of its user base despite officially banning users under 13. The ongoing investigation into Kirk’s death has renewed concerns about how foreign adversaries might exploit political violence to destabilize American democracy.
Published: Sep 16, 2025 08:31 am