Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday that the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk is refusing to cooperate with investigators. Authorities are now relying on interviews with his friends and family to determine a motive.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday. He was arrested at his parents’ home following a 33-hour manhunt. Robinson is a third-year student at Dixie Technical College in Utah.
Investigators say Robinson climbed onto a rooftop at Utah Valley University last Wednesday during an outdoor event and shot Kirk from long range. Kirk was struck in the neck by a single rifle round and died at the scene.
The event, held in Orem, about 65 kilometers south of Salt Lake City, was attended by nearly 3,000 people.
Cox said Robinson’s roommate, who was also his romantic partner, has been cooperating with authorities. Citing the FBI, Cox described the roommate as a male transitioning to female. The governor added that investigators are still determining whether the roommate’s gender identity has any relevance to the case.
According to court filings, investigators recovered bullet casings engraved with phrases and references to video game culture and memes. One casing read, “hey fascist! CATCH!” followed by button press symbols from a popular game. Another was inscribed with the message, “If you read This, you are GAY Lmao.”
Relatives told investigators that Robinson’s political views had diverged from his religious and conservative upbringing. He was registered to vote in Utah but not affiliated with any political party. A family member said Robinson had previously expressed dislike for Kirk and his positions.
Kirk was co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization with chapters across U.S. campuses.
He was a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and was known for his strong views on immigration and LGBT issues, which drew criticism from opponents.
The killing has intensified debate over political violence in the United States. Trump blamed the “radical left” for Kirk’s death, though officials have not presented evidence supporting that claim.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said political leaders should work to reduce tensions and condemned violence across party lines.
Governor Cox also criticized social media, saying it has played a role in recent political attacks. A memorial for Kirk is scheduled for September 21 in Glendale, Arizona, according to Turning Point USA.