FBI Probes Roommate and Partner of Charlie Kirk’s Accused Killer—Key Details Emerge

FBI investigators have zeroed in on the romantic partner and roommate of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after uncovering critical text messages that helped track Robinson down.

Robinson, who allegedly shot Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, shared a $1,800-per-month townhouse in Saint George, Utah, with Lance Twiggs, a 22-year-old male transitioning to female, according to senior FBI officials. Twiggs, described as Robinson’s partner and roommate, is cooperating with authorities and is not currently facing charges. “He had no idea” about Robinson’s alleged plan, an FBI source told Fox News Digital.

Text exchanges between the two—including instructions about retrieving a rifle hidden in a bush, wrapped in a towel, with engraved bullets and a scope—led investigators to Robinson. Twiggs provided these messages to the FBI, along with computers and other evidence from their apartment, now being analyzed at Quantico.

A relative of Twiggs called him the “black sheep” of the family but declined to confirm the nature of their relationship. Neighbors reported seeing “suspicious” out-of-state visitors at the apartment in the weeks before the shooting.

Robinson’s grandmother insists he is innocent, claiming he had “no interest in firearms“ and was a “quiet young man” with no history of violence or mental health struggles. “There’s just no way he could have been that good of a shot,” she told reporters.

Robinson is currently held without bail in Utah County Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Authorities recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle—matching Robinson’s descriptions in texts—from a wooded area near the crime scene, along with footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints.

New details reveal that Robinson’s father recognized him in FBI surveillance photos and confronted him. When urged to surrender, Robinson allegedly said he would “rather end his life” than turn himself in. A family friend and youth pastor (who also works as a court security officer) intervened, alerting U.S. Marshals, who detained Robinson late Thursday night.

The rifle’s engraved ammunition has raised questions about motive. Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed the inscriptions included:

• “Hey, fascist! Catch!” (a line from the game “Helldivers 2”)
• “Bella Ciao” (an anti-fascist WWII resistance song)
• “Notices bulges OwO what’s this?” (a furry subculture meme)
• Arrow sequences mimicking “Helldivers 2” controller inputs for a bomb strike

Experts suggest the engravings—drawn from internet culture, video games, and memes—may signal extremist influences or simply obscure trolling. “Memes contain multitudes,” said Jamie Cohen, a digital culture professor at Queens College. “They’re meant for in-group communication.”

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown confirmed prosecutors are considering the death penalty, stating “everything is on the table.” Former President Donald Trump and Governor Cox have both publicly supported capital punishment in the case.

Meanwhile, a social media account believed to belong to Robinson’s mother, Amber Jones Robinson, has been deleted. Authorities have not commented on the reason.

As the investigation deepens, the FBI and Utah County Sheriff’s Office continue analyzing the online trail, motive, and potential ties to extremist ideologies. Formal charges against Robinson are pending.