Thread by @dotconnectinga

AXIOS🧵: Authorities are probing whether suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was motivated by anger over Kirk’s views on gender identity. Here’s what we know so far. 1/10

According to six sources familiar with the case, investigators believe Robinson viewed Kirk’s stances on transgender issues as “hateful”—especially toward people like his own transgender roommate. This could be key to unlocking the motive behind the slaying that rocked American politics. 2/10 🧵

The sources also confirmed that Robinson, a Utah native from a conservative, Republican family, had a romantic relationship with his roommate. Robinson’s family supports Trump’s MAGA movement—his mom told Daily Mail, “Most of my family members are Republican… I don’t know any single one who’s a Democrat.” 3/10 🧵

Initially, officials kept the roommate’s gender identity under wraps to encourage cooperation. And it worked—the roommate was “extremely cooperative” and “aghast” at the news, immediately handing over electronic messages from Robinson. 4/10🧵

One source recounted the roommate’s reaction: “That’s what happened? Oh my God, no. Here are all the messages.” Those texts were damning: From a sender listed as “Tyler,” Robinson detailed post-shooting logistics, like wrapping his rifle in a towel and stashing it in bushes near the UVU campus. 5/10🧵

Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed during a Friday press conference that the messages also instructed the roommate to retrieve the rifle later. This digital trail has been crucial for investigators piecing together the timeline. 6/10🧵

Between the lines: Feds and state officials are now scrutinizing leftist groups in Utah for any prior knowledge of Robinson’s plans or post-shooting support. One such group even deleted its social media profile right after the incident, per Axios sources. 7/10🧵

Robinson’s motive and ideology are fueling heated online debates. Conservatives label him an “unhinged leftist”; liberals counter with his conservative Mormon upbringing in Utah. Family says he got “more political” lately and was interested in Kirk’s UVU visit. 8/10🧵

Cox revealed a family member told investigators about a recent convo where someone called Kirk “spreading hate and full of hate.” Unclear who said it, but it adds to the puzzle. (Note: Early media reports of a trans-related bullet casing message were debunked by LGBTQ activists.) 9/10🧵

A second official noted, “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… We want to keep it that way.” The big question: Did anyone else know before or after? 10/10🧵

SOURCE: archive.is/2025.09.13-234…