OREM, Utah - The man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk had been living with a transgender partner who is now cooperating with federal investigators, according to law enforcement sources as first reported by FOX News.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in the shooting that claimed Kirk’s life during a speaking event this week at Utah Valley University. Authorities say Robinson’s partner, who was transitioning from male to female, has provided communications and other information to the FBI that shed light on Robinson’s actions and state of mind.

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Investigators also revealed that bullet casings recovered at the scene bore inscriptions. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said one was marked with the words “Hey fascist! Catch!” Others carried references to internet meme culture, including the phrase “notices, bulges, OwO, what’s this?” as well as lyrics from the anti-fascist song Bella Ciao.

Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while responding to a question about transgender mass shooters during his “American Comeback” tour. He was rushed into surgery but died hours later.

Robinson, a Utah resident who once attended Utah State University before dropping out, had been working as an electrical apprentice. Family members told reporters he had become increasingly political in recent months and had openly expressed hatred of Kirk before the shooting.

Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization that grew into a powerful force on college campuses and in Republican politics. He was a frequent media commentator and a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump.

The killing has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concern about political violence. Prosecutors and the FBI continue to build their case as new details about Robinson’s personal life and motivations emerge.

In the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting, investigators revealed that the gunman was active on Discord, a platform that may be unfamiliar to many Americans but is widely used among younger generations.

Discord is a free communication app that combines elements of group chats, social media, and online forums. Launched in 2015, it was originally built for gamers who wanted a place to talk while playing online. Over time, it has grown far beyond gaming, with more than 150 million active users worldwide using it for everything from politics and hobbies to education and business.

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The platform is organized into "servers," which are essentially online communities. Each server can host multiple text channels for conversations, voice channels for live discussions, and even video hangouts. Some servers are public and open to anyone, while others are private and require invitations.

Part of what makes Discord appealing is also what makes it concerning for law enforcement: its mix of anonymity and community. Users can sign up with little more than a screen name and an email address. Conversations often happen in private servers, making it harder to monitor. While Discord has worked to crack down on illegal content and extremist groups, critics argue it remains a breeding ground for harmful speech, conspiracy theories, and in some cases, coordination of violence..

For most users, Discord is harmless—a place to connect with friends, talk about music, play games, or share interests. But as investigators are finding in the Kirk case, it can also be a space where anger festers unchecked and dangerous plans are quietly discussed.

As this investigation continues, the role of Discord will likely face new scrutiny, raising fresh questions about the balance between online free speech, privacy, and public safety.

According to a family member, Tyler Robinson had recently become deeply political and, during a dinner before the murder, specifically voiced his hatred of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Relatives also say investigators uncovered Discord messages from a user named “Tyler” describing where a rifle would be picked up, noting it was wrapped in a towel. Additional messages reportedly mentioned a scope and changing outfits.

 

Family members claim several unfired cartridges carried disturbing inscriptions, including one that read “Hate,” another stating “If you read this, you are gay, LAMO,” and a third with additional markings. Robinson’s family told authorities they recognized him in photos circulated by investigators and turned him in. He was found several hours south of the crime scene, near the Utah-Arizona-Nevada border. President Donald Trump has said the death penalty is under consideration, while Utah Governor Spencer Cox described one bullet casing as bearing a symbol often associated with extremist groups.

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Background of the Shooting

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, was killed on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk had just begun his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate format when a single shot struck him in the neck.

 

Investigators say the shot was fired from a nearby rooftop with a high-powered bolt-action rifle. Surveillance footage released by the FBI showed a man in dark clothing fleeing the scene. Forensic investigators recovered the suspected weapon along with shoe prints and imprints on the rooftop.

Authorities later confirmed the suspect was 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson. According to the Associated Press, someone close to Robinson recognized him from images shared by the FBI and alerted law enforcement, leading to his arrest. The Daily Mail reported that Robinson’s father, a longtime sheriff’s deputy, helped secure his son before police took him into custody.

The below post is from Robinson’s mom’s Facebook page

 

Ongoing Investigation

The FBI has described the shooting as a targeted political assassination. President Trump and Governor Cox have both condemned the killing, promising accountability and transparency. Questions remain about Robinson’s motive, the extent of his planning, and whether anyone else assisted him.

Authorities have not yet confirmed details about the alleged Discord messages or cartridge inscriptions. As the investigation continues, prosecutors will decide how to proceed in a case that has already shocked the nation and drawn widespread attention to online radicalization and political violence.

This is video of Robinson with the voice of his mother.