The man arrested over the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk was romantically involved with a transgender roommate and held “leftist ideology,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox said, confirming details likely to fuel the national debate over the killing.
“Yes, I can confirm that,” Cox told CNN’s State of the Union regarding suspect Tyler Robinson’s reported relationship. “The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to a female. This partner has been incredibly cooperative, had no idea this was happening, and is working with investigators.”
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Cox, who said 22-year-old Robinson is expected to be formally charged Tuesday, stressed that it remains unclear whether the partner’s transitioning factored into the alleged motive. “Again, all of these things – we’re trying to figure out,” he said.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, Cox said investigators believe Robinson embraced leftist beliefs, based on information from family and friends. “There clearly was a leftist ideology with this – with this assassin,” he said.
Robinson’s reported relationship with a transgender individual sparked outrage among far-right activists, who have increasingly focused on gender identity issues. Conservative influencer Laura Loomer called for the Trans movement to be designated a “terrorist movement,” while X-owner Elon Musk shared posts criticizing leftist ideology and gender treatment policies.
Kirk, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday during a speaking event at a Utah university campus. He had frequently criticised the transgender rights movement and gender ideology, describing it in social media posts as a “trans delusion death cult.”
Debate over what motivated Kirk’s murder continues. Pete Buttigieg, a former Biden cabinet member, noted that political affiliation has not been a consistent factor in high-profile attacks and urged Americans to reject attempts to exploit political violence.
Turning Point USA announced that a memorial service for Kirk will be held on September 21 in a football stadium near Phoenix, Arizona, which former President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend.
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