Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is being held under “special watch” at the Utah County Sheriff’s Department while undergoing a mental health evaluation, officials confirmed Sunday.
Robinson is housed in the department’s special housing unit so staff can “keep a close eye on him” until his mental health status is cleared, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
“He will continue to be monitored by mental, medical, and custody staff throughout the duration of his stay,” the statement read.
Authorities explained that “special watch” protocols may be imposed for various reasons, including the nature of the crime, behavioral issues, violent conduct, or suicidal remarks made at the time of arrest. The evaluation process may take several days, officials said. Once completed, Robinson will be classified to determine his permanent housing arrangement in custody.
Senior FBI officials told Fox News Digital that Robinson had been living with his romantic partner, a man transitioning to female, in an apartment in St. George, Utah. Agents said the partner has been fully cooperative with investigators.
One FBI official said the individual has been “extremely cooperative,” adding that the partner “had no idea” Robinson was allegedly planning to kill the Turning Point USA founder. The partner has not been accused of any crime in connection with the assassination.
According to investigators, text messages and other communications between Robinson and his partner helped agents track him down.
Computers and other materials seized from their apartment have been sent to Quantico for review, Fox News Digital reported. The FBI declined to say whether Robinson’s partner might face charges.
“The FBI is investigating a record number of tips,” an agency spokesperson said. “Every connection, every group, every link will be investigated and anyone involved in this matter, anywhere in the world they might be, will be brought to justice.”
The apartment shared by Robinson and his partner is located in the same southern Utah community where his parents live, roughly four hours from Utah Valley University, the site of the fatal shooting.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday while addressing a Turning Point USA event at the Orem campus. Authorities believe the gunman fired a single round from a rooftop about 200 yards away.
Kirk, who leaves behind a wife and two young children, was struck moments after engaging with an audience member who had asked about transgender mass shooters.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” the audience member asked.
“Too many,” Kirk responded. Moments later, he was fatally shot.
Law enforcement sources told Fox News Digital that Robinson’s father ultimately alerted authorities after recognizing his son in surveillance footage released during the 33-hour manhunt. When Robinson showed up at his father’s home, he reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts. The father sought guidance from a family minister before contacting the FBI, sources said.
Investigators also discovered that the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting was loaded with ammunition etched with anti-fascist slogans. The sheriff’s office confirmed Robinson’s special watch status also took into account any suicidal statements he made.
Utah Gov. Brian Cox told ABC News on Sunday that Robinson has not been cooperative with law enforcement.
“He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that’s, that’s, that’s very important,” Cox said.
The governor added that Robinson’s family and his partner are aiding the investigation, and that acquaintances described the 22-year-old as “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.”
