Alleged Kirk Assassin Lived With Transgender Partner In Utah: FBI
Federal investigators have confirmed that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was living with his transgender partner in St. George, Utah, at the time of the murder.
Senior FBI officials told Fox News Digital that Robinson shared an apartment with 22-year-old Lance Twiggs, whom agents described as being in a “romantic relationship” with the suspect. The apartment, located near Robinson’s parents’ home, has since been searched, with computers and other materials sent to Quantico for forensic review.
Officials stressed that Twiggs has been “extremely cooperative” and is not suspected of any role in the crime. “Every connection, every group, every link will be investigated and anyone involved in this matter, anywhere in the world they might be, will be brought to justice,” one FBI official said.
According to a law enforcement source, it was Robinson’s father who recognized his son from FBI surveillance footage released during the 33-hour nationwide manhunt ordered by Director Kash Patel. After conferring with a family minister, Robinson’s father turned him in. The suspect reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts and admitted he wanted to kill himself.
Authorities say Robinson used a bolt-action rifle from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away from Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was speaking on Wednesday as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” The bullet struck the 31-year-old conservative leader in the neck, killing him instantly in front of a packed audience. Kirk leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed that investigators recovered shell casings near the rifle with anti-fascist inscriptions etched into them — markings first flagged in an ATF bulletin that had circulated on social media. One casing had been fired; three others were live rounds.
Sources told Axios that investigators are examining Robinson’s possible ties to left-wing groups in Utah. At least one organization reportedly deleted its social media presence immediately following the assassination.
Multiple outlets reported that Robinson may have been motivated by Kirk’s outspoken Christian opposition to transgender ideology. Six sources familiar with the investigation said Robinson viewed Kirk’s remarks as “hateful” toward Twiggs. Authorities believe this could prove central to establishing motive.
Twiggs, described by investigators as “aghast” upon learning of the killing, quickly turned over electronic communications from Robinson. In one message, Robinson admitted he had ditched the rifle in a wooded area near the campus.
Neighbors told the New York Post they often saw Robinson and Twiggs together holding hands and kissing. One neighbor also claimed unfamiliar out-of-state cars had been visiting the property in recent weeks, describing the visitors as giving off “a bad vibe.”
Kirk’s assassination came seconds after a tense Q&A exchange. A student had asked: “Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” Kirk responded: “Too many.” When pressed about the total number of mass shooters in the U.S., he replied: “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Moments later, the fatal shot rang out.
The shocking killing of one of America’s most prominent conservative voices has drawn bipartisan condemnation, with lawmakers calling it an attack on both free speech and democracy itself.