A relative of the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk said the roommate — who is transgender and has not been charged — “hates conservatives and Christians,” the relative told Fox News Digital.
The relative, who asked to remain anonymous, said the roommate, 22, was in a romantic relationship with the suspect, identified by authorities as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. The relative said the roommate is in the process of transitioning and that Robinson’s attitudes changed after he turned 18.
“He hates conservatives and Christians,” the relative said, adding that Robinson “was not raised that way, but he, over the years, has become really detached [and] been radicalized.” The relative told Fox News Digital that Robinson had grown “progressively worse the last year or two” and described him as “always very angry.”
The relative also suggested Robinson’s politics may have been influenced by his partner during the year they dated, saying the two were “big [video] gamers” and were part of online groups that could have exerted influence. “My gut tells me [the roommate] did more of the influencing,” the relative said.
An FBI official told Fox News Digital the roommate has been “extremely cooperative” and “had no idea” about Robinson’s alleged plans. Authorities have not charged the roommate and have not released the person’s name.
Robinson was arrested two days after the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was shot while speaking. The FBI released surveillance images as part of its investigation, and a law enforcement source said Robinson’s father identified his son in the footage and turned him in to authorities. Robinson was taken into custody in St. George on Sept. 12, and booking photographs of the suspect were later released by state officials.
Investigators executed searches at an apartment complex in St. George where Robinson and his roommate shared a residence; both families live in that city, according to reporting. Forensic agents were seen at the complex in the days after the shooting as federal and local officials collected evidence.
Family members of the roommate told Fox News Digital they want “justice to be served” and do not want any part in the investigation beyond cooperating with authorities. The FBI has declined public comment beyond confirming it is leading the probe with local partners.
Kirk’s widow pledged to continue his work after the shooting, and law enforcement agencies have said the investigation remains active as they sift through digital evidence, social contacts and other leads. Authorities have not publicly described a motive for the killing, and Robinson has been described in public filings only as the suspect in the case.
The shooting has prompted scrutiny of security at public events and renewed debate over political violence in the United States. Local officials in Orem and federal investigators have said they will review circumstances that allowed the suspect to approach the stage.
The case remains under investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and said they will release additional details as the probe continues and as charges are filed.