Text Messages Lead Investigators to Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting
Authorities say digital communications between Tyler Robinson and a 22-year-old roommate, Lance Twiggs, were instrumental in tracking down the suspected shooter in the death of political activist Charlie Kirk.
Roommate Cooperation and Search of Apartment
Senior FBI officials confirmed Robinson lived in St. George, Utah, with a partner identified as a transgender woman. Investigators say the partner is cooperating and faces no allegations at this time. Agents obtained text messages and other communications between Robinson and the partner; those exchanges helped agents locate Robinson. Electronics seized from the apartment were sent to Quantico for analysis.
Public records also list Lance Twiggs, 22, at the same St. George address. A relative told The Post the two were roommates, describing Twiggs as the “black sheep” of the family, while declining to say whether the pair were romantically involved or to discuss Twiggs’ politics or transition status.
“Yes, they were roommates,” a relative confirmed.
Neighbors told reporters the $1,800-per-month townhouse appeared empty on Saturday, adding that cars with out-of-state plates had been seen at the property about two weeks earlier.
Court Filings: Rifle Instructions and Disguises
According to an affidavit filed by Utah Attorney General’s Office investigator Brian Davis, Twiggs provided text messages that Robinson allegedly sent before the shooting. The exchanges included instructions for retrieving a rifle from a drop point, references to engraving bullets, adding a scope, and remarks that the firearm was distinctive. The messages also referenced a change of clothing, suggesting attempts to avoid detection.
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Robinson’s grandmother disputed the allegations, insisting agents had the wrong person and saying she had never known him to show an interest in firearms.
“I don’t think he ever shot a gun, to tell you the truth,” she said. “He doesn’t hunt, he’s never liked anything like that. I know he doesn’t own any guns. There’s just no way he could have been that good of a shot.”
Detention Without Bail and Recovered Evidence
Robinson, 22, is being held without bail at Utah County Jail. Judge Shawn Rice Howell signed the detention order, with court records noting Robinson has no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. He is being held on initial counts of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice; formal charges have not yet been filed.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the suspect’s flight path. The weapon will be examined at the FBI Laboratory. Investigators also collected footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.
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Ammunition Engravings and Internet Culture
Utah Governor Spencer Cox disclosed that ammunition recovered near the rifle bore engraved phrases. Experts suggested the inscriptions reference memes, video games, and online jokes.
“Memes contain multitudes,” said Jamie Cohen, a Queens College professor who studies digital culture. He cautioned that stripped of context, such messages “could mean very little in isolation.”
Officials said the phrases ranged from controller inputs linked to “Helldivers 2” and the line “Hey, fascist! Catch!” to references like “Bella Ciao” and an internet meme from furry subculture, “Notices bulges OwO what’s this?” Authorities emphasized they have not determined a motive, and analysis is ongoing.
Cohen added that meme-based communication can serve in-group audiences and, in extremist contexts, can carry layered meanings while drawing broader attention once public.
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Family’s Role in Surrender
Two federal law-enforcement sources told CBS News that Robinson’s father recognized him in publicly released images and confronted him. Robinson allegedly admitted he was the person depicted and confessed to killing Kirk. When urged to surrender, Robinson reportedly said he would rather take his own life. A youth pastor—who also serves as a court security officer—helped calm the situation and alerted the U.S. Marshals Service. The FBI took Robinson into custody late Thursday night, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed.
Potential Penalties Under Review
Utah Attorney General Derek Brown told CNN that prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty, but “everything is on the table.” The debate has drawn national attention, with former President Donald Trump and Governor Cox both expressing support for capital punishment in the case.
Meanwhile, a social media account believed to belong to Robinson’s mother, Amber Jones Robinson, appears to have been deleted. Authorities have not commented on the reason.
