Text Messages, Family Intervention Led to Arrest in Charlie Kirk Killing

Investigators say text messages between Tyler Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs, were instrumental in leading 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. According to FBI officials, digital communications, along with electronics seized from the apartment, provided key leads. Twiggs turned over messages in which Robinson allegedly discussed retrieving a rifle, engraving bullets, and preparing disguises to avoid detection.

Despite the mounting evidence, Robinson’s grandmother has maintained that the FBI has the wrong man, claiming he disliked firearms and lacked the ability to carry out a precision shooting. But investigators say physical evidence tells another story. A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered in a wooded area along Robinson’s suspected escape path, alongside shoe and palm impressions. Ammunition bore unusual engravings linked to internet memes, the video game Helldivers 2, and antifascist slogans such as “Bella Ciao.” Experts cautioned that while such inscriptions can appear trivial, they may also serve as coded messaging within certain online groups.

Robinson was ultimately taken into custody after his father, a former law enforcement officer, recognized him from surveillance images and confronted him. Robinson allegedly confessed and threatened suicide, but a family pastor persuaded him to surrender. U.S. Marshals and FBI agents arrested him without violence.

A judge has since ordered Robinson held without bail on preliminary counts of aggravated murder, firearm discharge, and obstruction of justice, with formal charges pending. Officials are weighing the possibility of the death penalty. Utah Governor Spencer Cox and former President Donald Trump have both expressed support for capital punishment in this case.

Scrutiny has also reached Robinson’s family. His mother deleted her social media accounts as attention intensified. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel praised the swift investigation, noting that more than 11,000 public tips were processed within 33 hours, leading to Robinson’s capture.