Sources: Kirk suspect's transgender roommate "aghast," may be key to motive

"Each of the six sources familiar with the investigation told Axios that investigators believe Robinson had a romantic relationship with his roommate. Zoom in: Axios' sources said investigators initially wanted the information about the roommate's gender identity kept quiet because that person is being "extremely cooperative" with authorities. The roommate was "aghast" at the slaying when speaking to investigators and shared electronic messages sent by Robinson, one of the sources said. "That's what happened? Oh my God, no," the roommate said, according to the source. "Here are all the messages.""

"The phone messages indicated a sender listed as "Tyler" had mentioned that after the shooting, he had wrapped his rifle in a towel and stashed it in some bushes near Utah Valley University, where the shooting occurred, Gov. Spencer Cox said Friday during a news conference. "Tyler" also told the roommate in writing that the rifle would have to be retrieved, Cox said. Between the lines: Federal and state law enforcement officials also are examining leftist groups in Utah to see whether they had knowledge of the alleged shooter's plans beforehand, or if they lent material support to him afterward. One of those groups eliminated its social media profile after the shooting, Axios has learned."

Investigators believe Robinson had a romantic relationship with his roommate, whose gender identity was initially requested to be kept private because the roommate was described as extremely cooperative. The roommate expressed shock, provided electronic messages from Robinson, and relayed written messages from a sender listed as "Tyler" describing wrapping a rifle in a towel and stashing it in bushes near Utah Valley University after the shooting, and that the rifle would need retrieval. Federal and state authorities are also probing leftist groups in Utah for possible prior knowledge or material support, while online debate continues over Robinson's motive and political ideology; family members describe conservative, pro-MAGA affiliations and growing political interest.

Read at Axios