FBI Questions Partner, Roommate of Charlie Kirk’s Suspected Assassin — Text Messages Key to Arrest

By Staff Reporter
September 14, 2025 | St. George, Utah

Federal investigators have confirmed that text messages between Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and his romantic partner and roommate, Lance Twiggs, played a pivotal role in tracking down the suspected assassin.

OREM, UTAH – SEPTEMBER 10: Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed. (Photo by Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Sources within the FBI told Fox News Digital that Robinson’s partner—identified as a transgender individual transitioning from male to female—is fully cooperating with investigators and is not currently facing any charges. Authorities have emphasized that the partner had “no idea” of Robinson’s alleged plan to target Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Robinson and Twiggs shared a $1,800-per-month apartment in St. George, Utah, about four hours south of the university campus in Orem, where the attack occurred. Public records and family members have confirmed the pair were roommates, though their exact relationship status remains unclear. A relative of Twiggs, who spoke to The Post, described him as the “black sheep” of the family but declined to comment on Robinson’s political leanings or Twiggs’ gender transition.

Digital Trail Leads to Arrest

According to court documents filed by Utah officials, text messages and online communications between Robinson and Twiggs provided federal agents with critical intelligence. The messages reportedly included instructions on retrieving a high-powered bolt-action rifle from a hidden location, details about ammunition engraving, and plans for a clothing change post-attack—all aimed at avoiding detection.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed that the weapon was found in a wooded area near the site where Robinson fled after the shooting. Forensic teams collected the rifle along with footwear impressions, palm prints, and forearm imprints, which have been sent to the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia for analysis.

One federal source noted that the rifle had been wrapped in a towel and hidden under a bush. The rifle, investigators say, bore multiple engravings referencing memes, video games, and online subcultures, including phrases like “Hey, fascist! Catch!”, “Bella Ciao”, and “Notices bulges OwO what’s this?”

Digital culture expert Jamie Cohen, a professor at Queens College, said the references draw heavily from internet meme culture, particularly from the game Helldivers 2, and may have been intended for in-group signaling rather than direct threats. “Memes contain multitudes,” Cohen noted. “They are often understood only by the communities that create them.”

No Charges for Twiggs, FBI Pursues All Leads

Despite the involvement of Twiggs in the suspect’s inner circle, authorities have reiterated that the roommate is not being treated as a suspect. “Every connection, every group, every link will be investigated,” an FBI spokesperson said, adding that all recovered electronics from the shared apartment are undergoing forensic analysis.

A neighbor in St. George told reporters that in the weeks leading up to the incident, several unfamiliar vehicles with out-of-state plates were seen visiting the apartment. “They did not give off a good vibe,” the neighbor said.

Twiggs later turned over the text messages voluntarily to investigators, a move that significantly advanced the case.

Confession and Family Involvement

New reporting reveals that it was Robinson’s father who ultimately led authorities to the suspect. After recognizing his son in images released by law enforcement, he confronted Robinson directly. According to CBS News, Robinson admitted to the killing but said he would rather take his own life than surrender.

The father then contacted a family pastor, who also serves as a court security officer. Together, they managed to de-escalate the situation and contacted the U.S. Marshals Service, who took Robinson into custody late Thursday night. The FBI was later called in to process the arrest.

Legal Proceedings and Possible Death Penalty

Robinson is currently being held without bail in Utah County Jail following a detention order signed by Judge Shawn Rice Howell. He faces multiple preliminary charges including:

Aggravated murder
Felony discharge of a firearm
Obstruction of justice

While formal charges have not yet been filed, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said prosecutors are actively considering the death penalty. “Everything is on the table,” Brown said during an interview on Friday.

The case has already drawn national attention. In an appearance on conservative media, former President Donald Trump expressed his hope that the death penalty will be pursued. Governor Spencer Cox also stated the state will seek capital punishment “if the facts support it.”

Public Reaction and Online Fallout

Amid the growing attention, social media accounts linked to Robinson’s family have gone offline. The Facebook account of his mother, Amber Jones Robinson, was deleted earlier this week. Authorities have not commented on whether this was voluntary or tied to the investigation.

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking to students at Utah Valley University. He had appeared at events in several states over the preceding week, including at America Fest 2024 and a rally in Palm Beach, Florida.

As the FBI and Utah County authorities continue their investigation, more questions than answers remain about the motives behind the attack, the influence of digital culture, and the personal dynamics between Robinson and those closest to him.