Investigators say text messages between Tyler Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs, helped lead to Robinson’s arrest in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Robinson, 22, lived in St. George, Utah, with a transgender partner who is cooperating with authorities and faces no charges. FBI officials confirmed that digital communications, along with electronics seized from the apartment, provided key leads. Twiggs also turned over messages in which Robinson allegedly discussed retrieving a rifle, engraving bullets, and preparing disguises to avoid detection.
Despite this, Robinson’s grandmother has insisted the FBI has the wrong man, saying he never liked firearms and lacked the skill to carry out a precision shooting. Still, evidence recovered tells a different story. Investigators found a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the escape path, along with shoe and palm impressions. Ammunition carried unusual engravings tied to internet memes, video games like Helldivers 2, and even antifascist slogans such as “Bella Ciao.” Experts cautioned that while meme-based inscriptions can appear absurd, they sometimes carry coded meaning for certain groups.
Robinson was taken into custody after his father, a former law enforcement officer, recognized him in surveillance images and confronted him. Robinson allegedly confessed, telling his father he preferred death to surrender. With the help of a family pastor, U.S. Marshals and FBI agents persuaded him to give up without violence. A judge has ordered him held without bail on preliminary counts of aggravated murder, firearm discharge, and obstruction of justice, though formal charges are still pending.
Officials are weighing penalties, including the possibility of the death sentence. Both Utah Governor Spencer Cox and former President Donald Trump have expressed support for capital punishment in this case. Meanwhile, scrutiny has extended to Robinson’s family—his mother deleted a social media account as attention mounted. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the swift investigation, noting that over 11,000 tips were processed within 33 hours, leading to Robinson’s capture.
