The man who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, a supporter of former U.S. President Trump, made his first court appearance on September 16. The prosecution has preliminarily charged 22-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks with seven counts, including first-degree murder, illegal discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, tampering with witnesses, and committing violence in the presence of a child. He could face the death penalty. On the same day, authorities also released the full text of his text message communications with his transgender partner (a man transitioning to female) after the shooting. Before the incident, the two were in a romantic relationship and living together.
According to NBC News, prosecutors stated in the indictment that after the shooting, Crooks’ roommate received a text message from him: “Stop what you’re doing and look under my keyboard.” The roommate found a note that read: “I had the chance to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”
After reading the note, the roommate replied: What??????????? You’re joking, right?????
Crooks: I’m fine, honey, but I have to stay in Orem for a while. I should be able to come home soon, but I need to get my rifle back. Honestly, I was hoping to keep this a secret until I died. I’m sorry for dragging you into this.
Roommate: You didn’t do the shooting, did you?
Crooks: I did it, I’m sorry.
Roommate: I thought they caught the guy?
Crooks: No, they caught some crazy old guy and questioned someone wearing similar clothes. I was planning to go back and get my rifle from my drop-off point soon after, but most of that area was locked down. It was quiet, I could have gotten away, but there was still a car nearby.
Roommate: Why?
Crooks: Why would I do it?
Roommate: Yeah.
Crooks: I’m sick of his hate speech. Some hates can’t be negotiated. If I could get my rifle back quietly, there would be no evidence. I’m planning to go back for it again, hoping they’re gone. I haven’t seen any reports about them finding the rifle yet.
Roommate: How long have you been planning this?
Crooks: I’ve been thinking about it for over a week. I could get to it, but there was a police car parked right next to it. I think they’ve already searched the area, but I don’t want to take the risk.
Crooks: I really wish I could have gone back and gotten it right after I got back in the car…. I’m worried about what my dad will do if I don’t bring back Grandpa’s rifle…. I don’t know if it has a serial number, but it can’t be traced to me. I’m worried about leaving fingerprints, so I had to leave it in some bushes, and I changed clothes there too. I don’t have the ability or time to take it out with me…. I might have to ditch it and hope they don’t find fingerprints. How the f* am I going to explain to my dad that I lost it…. I only left a rifle wrapped in a towel…. Remember how I used to carve bullets? Most of those damn comments were just memes, I might have a stroke if I see “notices bulge uwu” on Fox News, okay, I have to ditch it, that’s just so f*ed up…. Looking back on it today, I think Grandpa’s gun was pretty good, I don’t know. I remember it had a $2000 scope on it.
Crooks: Delete this conversation.
Crooks: My dad wants a picture of that rifle… He said Grandpa wants to know who has the rifle, the FBI released a picture of the rifle, it’s very unique. He’s calling me now, not answering.
Crooks: Since Trump got elected, my dad has been a hardcore fan.
Crooks: I’m going to turn myself in, I have a neighbor here who is a deputy sheriff.
Crooks: The only one I’m worried about is you, honey.
Roommate: I’m more worried about you.
Crooks: Please don’t talk to the media. Don’t give any interviews or make any statements…. If the police ask you questions, get a lawyer, remain silent. Don’t give any interviews or make any statements…. If the police ask you questions, get a lawyer, remain silent.