Federal investigators sought to protect the gender identity of the roommate of the man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk because the roommate was "extremely cooperative," according to officials and reporting by Axios and other outlets.
Law enforcement sources said the roommate, identified in reporting as Lance Twiggs, told investigators "Oh my God, no" and handed over messages after being confronted about a plot allegedly discussed by the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson. Those messages, investigators say, helped locate and arrest Robinson and provided evidence for prosecutors pursuing an aggravated murder charge, the only homicide charge in Utah that can carry the death penalty.
Authorities have said that Discord messages attributed to an account listed as "Tyler" included descriptions of wrapping a rifle in a towel and stashing it near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot during a debate he was hosting. An affidavit filed in the case reportedly included references to the alleged shooter discussing changing clothes after the shooting. Police said those messages aided in identifying and arresting Robinson.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters investigators are pursuing a "mountain of evidence" to determine motive, including the relationship between Robinson and the roommate. Cox said a family member told investigators that someone had told Robinson that Kirk "was spreading hate and was full of hate," but the governor said it was unclear who made that remark. Cox also said Robinson had expressed new political beliefs at a family dinner before the shooting and had discussed disliking Kirk.
Investigators are examining whether Robinson was motivated in part by the conservative commentator's public positions on transgender people. Kirk frequently criticized portions of the LGBTQ movement and opposed same-sex marriage and gender-reassignment surgery; at the time he was shot, he was debating a student about the involvement of transgender people in mass shootings.
Public records and reporting indicate Twiggs and Robinson lived at the same address, and a relative told the New York Post that they were roommates. Authorities say Twiggs has been transitioning from male to female; the relative told the Post she was unaware of the transition but that it would not have surprised her. Investigators say Twiggs cooperated with authorities and provided text messages that helped lead to Robinson's arrest.
Social-media posts and family interviews have produced conflicting public narratives about Robinson's political views. Robinson grew up in a conservative Mormon household, and some relatives told reporters the family supports former President Donald Trump. Other relatives and law enforcement sources said Robinson had embraced far-left ideas in recent years. Authorities have said Robinson was not registered as a Republican or Democrat.
Discord issued a public statement saying the company had found "no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord," according to reporting. Law enforcement officials said they are examining a range of digital and physical evidence in the case.
Initial media reports that the four bullet casings found at the scene contained inscriptions referencing transgender people were criticized by progressive activists and later found to be inaccurate. Authorities have said none of the messages written on the casings mentioned transgender people.
Robinson remains in custody, and prosecutors have sought an aggravated murder charge. Police and federal investigators said they are continuing to examine "every connection, every group, every link and anyone tied" to the shooting as they work to determine whether the killing was motivated by ideology, a personal relationship or other factors.
Officials have asked anyone with additional information about the incident or the individuals involved to contact local law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have said more details may emerge as they process digital evidence and interview witnesses.