ST. GEORGE, Utah — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, reportedly lived with a transgender roommate and displayed ties to left-leaning activist movements, according to law enforcement and sources close to the case.
Robinson allegedly killed Kirk, 31, on Sept. 10 during Kirk’s “American Comeback” speaking tour, firing a single shot from the rooftop of the Losee Center Building roughly 200 yards from where the Turning Point USA founder was addressing an audience. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the shooting a targeted “political assassination.”
Law enforcement sources told The New York Post that Robinson shared a townhouse with Lance Twiggs, a biological male identifying as female who was in the process of transitioning. Twiggs is cooperating with the FBI investigation, authorities said. A family member confirmed that the two were roommates but declined to comment on the nature of their relationship.
Robinson’s former co-workers described him as quiet but fascinated by firearms. One electrician who worked alongside him said Robinson had boasted about making long-range shots of up to 450 yards. Surveillance footage from the event shows Robinson with his fists clenched throughout, a former colleague said.
Investigators also reported evidence linking Robinson to left-wing activist circles, including online messages referencing anti-fascist slogans and phrases tied to ANTIFA. Bullet casings recovered from the scene reportedly bore inscriptions such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and the Italian anti-fascist anthem, “Bella Ciao.”
Cox said Robinson had been “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology” and had expressed disdain for Kirk’s conservative viewpoints. Robinson’s family, by contrast, has Republican affiliations. A neighbor described his parents as “quiet and kind,” noting they had previously supported Robinson through a minister after he reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts.
Robinson, who had received a scholarship to Utah State University and achieved a perfect GPA, reportedly engaged with online meme culture from a young age and had displayed proficiency with computers and technology.
Authorities continue to investigate Robinson’s motives and any additional connections to activist networks as the FBI leads the federal inquiry.
