Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday that the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is not cooperating with investigators and confirmed that the alleged shooter’s live‑in romantic partner is transgender, though he cautioned against linking that fact to motive.
Cox told multiple Sunday morning programs that the 22‑year‑old suspect, identified by authorities as Tyler Robinson, had not been cooperative with law enforcement. He said Robinson’s family members and the partner had been assisting the FBI in its probe and that local authorities planned to file charges against the suspect on Tuesday.
"That information comes from the people around him — his family members and friends," Cox said on CNN’s State of the Union, describing conversations investigators had uncovered that referenced Charlie Kirk. He did not detail specific beliefs or provide a motive, saying authorities were still working to determine why the shooting occurred.
Cox confirmed news reports that Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, is transgender and was a romantic partner of the suspect. "The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female," Cox said. "This partner has been incredibly cooperative [and] had no idea that this was happening. And, he’s working with investigators right now." Cox said the information about the suspect’s beliefs and discussions came from people close to Robinson.
Cox also reiterated comments he earlier made to the Wall Street Journal that Robinson was "deeply indoctrinated in leftist ideology," but he declined to elaborate on specific ideological views the suspect may have held. Local and federal investigators have said they are continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence as they seek to establish a motive and determine appropriate charges.
Cox said he had spoken with former President Donald Trump about the shooting, calling the conversation "sobering" and noting that Trump was "very angry" about the death of a close friend. "He knows better than anyone as someone who literally was injured by a bullet," Cox said, adding that anger is a normal reaction to such an event.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed in the incident, prompting a joint local and federal investigation. Authorities have not yet publicly released a detailed timeline of the shooting or disclosed a formal list of charges pending the filing they expect on Tuesday.
Investigators have described cooperation from the suspect’s family and the partner as helpful to the probe. Cox emphasized the distinction between information gathered from people close to the suspect and evidence developed by investigators, saying authorities would not speculate publicly about motive until they had a clearer factual record.
Federal agents typically become involved in politically sensitive or interstate aspects of homicide investigations; the FBI’s role in the Kirk case has focused on supporting local law enforcement and coordinating interviews. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will review evidence to determine the charges to be filed in state or federal court.
Cox said authorities were taking the case seriously and would move deliberately to ensure that any charges and subsequent proceedings were supported by the evidence. He urged patience while investigators continued interviewing witnesses and sorting through materials gathered at the scene and from the suspect’s associates.
Law enforcement has not released further details about the nature of Robinson’s contacts, any prior warnings, or whether the suspect has an attorney. The FBI and the local prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Sunday. Authorities have cautioned that details may change as more information becomes available and formal charges are filed.