In a major development in the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed that the suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, was in a romantic relationship with a transgender roommate. The confirmation, made during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” talk show on Sunday, has intensified the national debate surrounding the killing and the political climate.
Governor Cox told the media that Robinson’s roommate, who is a “male transitioning to a female,” has been “incredibly cooperative” with the ongoing investigation. Cox stressed that the partner “had no idea that this was happening” and is actively working with law enforcement.
The motive for the assassination of Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, has not been officially determined. While Governor Cox previously stated that Robinson was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” he refrained from directly linking the suspect’s romantic relationship to the motive. When asked if the partner’s transitioning was part of Robinson’s mindset, Cox said, “I’m not sure about that piece right now,” adding that investigators are “trying to figure out” all the information.
The revelation of Robinson’s relationship has fueled outrage among far-right activists and commentators on social media. After news reports on Saturday, figures like conservative podcaster Laura Loomer and X owner Elon Musk weighed in on the issue. Loomer posted multiple times about conspiracy theories, questioning whether there was a “Trans terror cell that groomed Tyler Robinson” and calling for the “Trans movement” to be designated as a “terrorist movement.” Musk, in a one-word reply to a post arguing for a ban on transgender hormone therapy, simply wrote, “Absolutely.”
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was a vocal critic of the transgender rights movement, has become a flashpoint in the culture wars, with both sides of the political spectrum using the incident to amplify their narratives. As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together information from Robinson’s family and friends, who told investigators that he had become “more political” in recent years and had expressed his dislike for Kirk and his viewpoints.