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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.