Honestly, the internet is a weird place. One day you’re reading about a tragic news event, and the next, everyone is obsessing over the personal lives of people in the background. If you've been following the heavy headlines surrounding the 2025 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, you’ve probably seen one name popping up in the digital chatter: Lance Twiggs.
Specifically, everyone wants to know: is Tyler Robinson’s roommate trans? The short answer is yes. But like most things in a high-profile FBI investigation, the "why" and the "how" are a lot more complicated than a simple label. This isn't just a random detail—it’s actually a central piece of the evidence the FBI used to piece together what happened in Orem, Utah.
Who is Lance Twiggs?
Lance Twiggs was the 22-year-old roommate of Tyler Robinson. They shared a townhome in St. George, Utah, at the Fossil Hills complex.
Twiggs isn't just a roommate, though. According to investigators and family members who spoke to outlets like The Economic Times and various local Utah stations, Twiggs and Robinson were in a romantic relationship.
Twiggs is a transgender man.
He’s also an aspiring professional gamer. His family has been pretty open about his past, mentioning he struggled with substance abuse and gender identity issues before moving in with his grandparents and, eventually, with Robinson. It sounds like a tough road. He was kicked out of his parents' house at 18, which is a story far too many people in the LGBTQ+ community know by heart.
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Why the FBI is Grilling the Roommate
When Tyler Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt, he didn't just go quietly. The FBI had a "mountain of evidence," and a lot of it came directly from Twiggs.
Basically, Twiggs was the one who handed over the receipts.
He showed investigators text messages where Robinson allegedly talked about the shooting and even mentioned hiding a gun. That’s a huge deal. While Robinson was allegedly fueled by a deep-seated hatred for Charlie Kirk’s political views—even going as far as to engrave "anti-fascist" messages on his bullet casings—it was his personal life that helped the authorities close the net.
Twiggs hasn't been charged with a crime. The FBI has described him as "fully cooperative."
It’s a bizarre contrast. You have Robinson, who was apparently becoming more radicalized and "political" in the years leading up to the event, and then you have his partner, Twiggs, who ended up being the key witness for the prosecution.
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The Confusion with the "Other" Tyler Robinson
I have to clear something up because it’s confusing a lot of people. If you search for "Tyler Robinson," the first thing you usually see is the Tyler Robinson Foundation.
That is a completely different person.
The original Tyler Robinson was a 17-year-old boy who passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare cancer) in 2013. He was a huge fan of the band Imagine Dragons, and they started a massive charity in his name.
- TRF Tyler: A hero who inspired millions through his battle with cancer.
- St. George Tyler: The 22-year-old accused in the Charlie Kirk case.
It’s an unfortunate name overlap, but they are 100% not the same person. One represents hope and charity; the other is at the center of a federal assassination investigation.
What This Means for the Case
The fact that is Tyler Robinson’s roommate trans became a search trend isn't just about curiosity. It’s about motive.
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Investigators are looking at how Robinson’s personal relationships influenced his politics. Robinson’s family mentioned he had become "more political" lately. Some reports suggest his relationship with a transgender partner made him more sensitive to gay and trans rights, which he felt were being attacked by Kirk’s rhetoric.
Whether that’s a "motive" or just a background factor is something the courts will have to decide. Robinson is currently facing charges of aggravated murder, and prosecutors have already signaled they might seek the death penalty.
Actionable Insights for Following the Story
If you're trying to keep up with this case without getting lost in the noise, here is how to filter the info:
- Check the Source: Look for court affidavits or FBI statements. A lot of the "secret lover" headlines are sensationalized versions of what is actually in the police records.
- Separate the Tylers: If the article mentions Imagine Dragons, you’re reading about the cancer foundation, not the Utah shooting.
- Watch the Evidence: The text messages between Robinson and Twiggs are going to be the "smoking gun" in the upcoming trial. Pay attention to the discovery phase of the legal proceedings.
- Understand the Cooperation: Remember that being a "roommate" or "partner" of a suspect doesn't make someone a criminal. Twiggs’ cooperation is likely why he isn't in a jail cell alongside Robinson.
The trial is expected to be one of the most high-profile cases in Utah’s history. As more private chats and relationship details come out, the role of Lance Twiggs will likely stay in the spotlight.