Federal investigators have confirmed that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was living with his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, in St. George, Utah, at the time of the shooting. The FBI described Twiggs as “extremely cooperative” and not implicated in the crime. Authorities seized digital evidence from the shared apartment, which has been sent for forensic analysis. Twiggs has reportedly been assisting investigators by providing communications and other key information related to Robinson’s state of mind before the shooting.
Robinson was identified by his father from surveillance footage released during a 33-hour nationwide manhunt. The father, a former law enforcement officer, consulted a family minister before confronting his son, who allegedly confessed and expressed suicidal thoughts. The minister helped deescalate the situation and alerted federal authorities, leading to Robinson’s peaceful surrender.
According to law enforcement, Robinson used a bolt-action rifle to shoot Kirk from approximately 200 yards away while the conservative activist was speaking at Utah Valley University. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck, killing him instantly. Kirk, 31, was a married father of two and a prominent voice in conservative politics. His assassination has been widely condemned as an attack on free speech and a targeted political killing.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that anti-fascist inscriptions were found on shell casings near the recovered weapon. These markings, including slogans and references associated with far-left internet culture, suggest ideological motivation. Investigators believe Robinson may have been influenced by Kirk’s public opposition to transgender ideology—views Robinson reportedly saw as personally threatening to Twiggs.
Twiggs, reportedly shocked by the killing, has cooperated fully with authorities and handed over electronic messages that may shed light on Robinson’s planning and motive. Neighbors said the couple was often seen together and noted the presence of unfamiliar visitors in the weeks leading up to the incident. Authorities are now exploring Robinson’s possible ties to local left-wing activist groups and are investigating whether others were aware of or encouraged the attack.
Kirk’s final moments were marked by a tense exchange about transgender mass shooters, seconds before the shot was fired. The context of that exchange, combined with Robinson’s personal life and political beliefs, may form the basis of a hate-motivated assassination theory. As the federal investigation continues, questions remain about online radicalization, ideological extremism, and political violence in the digital age.
