Texts Reveal Suspect in Activist Killing’s Mounting Anxiety, Plan too Surrender
Newly surfaced text messages between Charlie Kerk, the suspect in the killing of American activist Ryan Fournier, and a companion paint a picture of escalating anxiety and a developing plan to turn himself in to authorities on the day of the crime. The messages, exchanged throughout the day, detail Kerk’s desperate attempts to dispose of a firearm, his fear of fingerprint evidence, and his concern over his father’s reaction to the weapon’s disappearance. The correspondence offers a rare, direct insight into the suspect’s state of mind as law enforcement closed in.
the texts, reviewed by [News Institution], reveal Kerk’s immediate post-crime concerns centered on the weapon-described as worth approximately $2,000-and potential evidence. The release of these messages comes as investigators continue to build their case against Kerk, who is currently in custody, and as Fournier’s family and community grapple with the loss of the prominent conservative activist. The texts also highlight a shift in Kerk’s family dynamics, with his father becoming a staunch supporter of the “MAGA” movement following Donald Trump’s election.
The exchange begins with Kerk assessing the risk of retrieving the weapon, noting a police presence near the disposal site. ”A few weeks more then a week. I can approach it, but there is a police car that stands next to the place directly. I think they have already wiped this area, but I don’t want to risk.” He expresses regret over not securing the weapon promptly after the incident. “I wish I had returned my drawers and picked up the weapon as soon as I arrived in my car…. The anxiety is on me about what my father would do if I do not promise my serious weapon.”
Kerk details his hasty attempt to hide the firearm. “I had to leave him between the bushes as I switched my clothes.I neither the ability nor the time to transfer it…. Perhaps I have to leave it in the hope that they would not find fingerprints.” He voices fear about fingerprints and his father discovering the weapon is missing. “What will I say to my father when he asks me about my lost weapon… The only thing I left was the weapon wrapped in a towel….”
The conversation takes a surreal turn as Kerk references past engravings on lead skating, fearing their exposure on Fox News. He questions the weapon’s functionality and value. “You remember how I was engraving on lead skating? those messages, have a big joke, if I saw them shown on Fox News, perhaps a stroke. I am afraid that I should leave it, it’s really frustrated. I can say that a serious weapon works well. I don’t no. I think the weapon is two thousand dollars.”
kerk’s father enters the picture, requesting a photograph of the weapon, prompted by his grandfather’s inquiry.”My father wants a photo of the weapon… he says that my grandfather wants to know ‘Who is with him what?'” Kerk notes his father is attempting to contact him but he is avoiding the call.
A significant shift occurs as Kerk reveals his father’s political alignment. “Since Trump’s arrival to the presidency, it became [والدي] One of the strongest supporters of the ‘Mag’ stream.” He then announces his intention to voluntarily surrender to authorities. “I will hand over myself voluntarily. one of my neighbors works as deputy chief of police.”
The exchange concludes with expressions of affection between Kerk and his companion. “You are all my love, my love.” The companion responds, “My fear for you more.” Kerk then issues a direct plea: “Please, do not talk to the media. Do not make any dialogues or any comments… and if the police ask you any questions, ask a lawyer about you and remain silent.”
