Crime
Charlie Kirk killer Tyler Robinson had a romantic relationship with his roommate Lance Twiggs
According to six sources familiar with the investigation, authorities are exploring whether 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was motivated by his belief that Kirk’s outspoken views on transgender issues were “hateful” toward individuals like Robinson’s transgender roommate, Lance Twiggs.
Investigators believe that Twiggs may be central to understanding Robinson’s motive. Sources confirmed that Robinson and Twiggs were in a romantic relationship, though officials initially withheld details about the roommate’s gender identity to protect their privacy.
Twiggs, described as “aghast” upon learning of the shooting, has been fully cooperating with investigators. One source recounted that when informed of Robinson’s alleged role, Twiggs exclaimed: “That’s what happened? Oh my God, no. Here are all the messages.”
Those electronic messages, later reviewed by authorities, included exchanges where “Tyler” allegedly confessed to hiding his rifle after the shooting.
The alleged trans ‘girl’friend of the shooter is was active in r/TransDIY, a subreddit known to groom minors behind their parents backs.
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Robinson wrote to Twiggs that he had wrapped the firearm in a towel and concealed it in nearby bushes at Utah Valley University, the site of the assassination.
Robinson allegedly instructed his roommate that the weapon would need to be retrieved.
Federal and state authorities are also probing whether local leftist groups in Utah had prior knowledge of Robinson’s intentions or offered support afterward.
At least one organization reportedly deleted its social media presence in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
The suspect’s political ideology remains under scrutiny. Online debate has polarized around Robinson’s background:
- Some conservatives have labeled him an “unhinged leftist.”
- Liberals have pointed to his conservative upbringing in Utah, noting that his family openly supports former President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
Robinson’s mother, Debbie Robinson, stated: “Most of my family members are Republican. I don’t know any single one who’s a Democrat.”
Family members further indicated that Robinson had become “more political” in recent years and had expressed interest in Kirk’s scheduled appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Governor Cox added that relatives recalled Robinson referencing a conversation in which someone claimed that Kirk “was spreading hate and was full of hate,” though it remains unclear who made that statement.
The case has drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocacy groups, who have condemned inaccurate early media reports suggesting that a shell casing recovered at the scene contained a message related to transgender issues.
Kirk, who frequently visited college campuses to host debates under banners reading “Prove Me Wrong,” was an outspoken critic of gender-affirming medical procedures for minors and transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. His positions made him a highly polarizing figure in national political discourse.
Authorities emphasized that Twiggs remains a cooperating witness and is not currently facing charges.
“It’s pretty clear that Robinson’s roommate knew a lot and didn’t say anything after the killing, so they’re a person of interest officially and are cooperating,” one official said. “We want to keep it that way. What we want to know is if anyone else had knowledge [of the shooting], before or after.”
The investigation into Robinson’s motive, possible affiliations, and support networks is ongoing.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.