The headlines were everywhere last fall. When Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, the manhunt for his assassin, Tyler Robinson, gripped the nation. But as the 22-year-old from St. George was taken into custody, a specific detail about his personal life started trending: Tyler Robinson lived with trans partner Lance Twiggs.
Honestly, the internet did what it always does—it spiraled. People were desperate to know who this person was and if they played a role in the shooting.
It turns out, the reality is a bit more complicated than a simple soundbite. Lance Twiggs wasn't just a roommate; he was in a romantic relationship with Robinson. They shared a townhome in the Fossil Hills complex in St. George, Utah. While early rumors suggested a dark conspiracy, the actual facts coming out of the FBI investigation paint a picture of a very troubled household and a sudden, violent break from reality.
The Roommate Who Knew Too Much
Lance Twiggs is a 22-year-old aspiring professional gamer. According to family members who spoke with Fox News, Twiggs has had a rough few years. He was kicked out of his parents' house at 18 due to struggles with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as gaming addiction.
He eventually landed in the St. George townhome, originally with a group of college students. When those roommates moved out, Tyler Robinson moved in.
What started as a living arrangement turned romantic. Robinson and Twiggs were together for about a year leading up to the assassination. During that time, Robinson’s mother noted that her son’s politics shifted dramatically. He went from a conservative upbringing to what she described as "hard left," becoming a vocal advocate for gay and transgender rights.
This is where things get heavy.
On the day of the shooting, Robinson allegedly sent a text to Twiggs. He told him to look under his keyboard. Twiggs found a handwritten note that read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it." ## Text Messages and the 33-Hour Manhunt
After the shot was fired from a rooftop 200 yards away, Robinson didn't just disappear. He kept in contact with Twiggs.
The text logs are chilling. Twiggs, seemingly in shock, messaged Robinson: "You weren’t the one who did it right????"
Robinson’s response was blunt: "I am, I’m sorry."
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Despite receiving this confession, Twiggs didn't immediately go to the police. This has led to a lot of heat online, with people questioning his motives. However, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and the FBI have both stated that Twiggs has been "incredibly cooperative" since being brought in for questioning.
The FBI even provided Twiggs and his family with a security detail for several weeks because the case became so politically charged. As of January 2026, that protection has ended. Twiggs hasn't been charged with a crime, though Robinson faces a laundry list of charges, including aggravated murder and witness tampering—specifically for telling Twiggs to delete their messages.
Why the Relationship Matters to the Case
Why does it matter that Tyler Robinson lived with trans partner Lance Twiggs? For investigators, it’s about motive.
The shooting happened right after an audience member asked Kirk a question about transgender people and mass shooters. Robinson’s own texts suggest he was fed up with what he viewed as "hatred" from the conservative commentator. He wrote to Twiggs, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
It’s clear that Robinson’s relationship with Twiggs and his immersion in trans advocacy circles were central to his worldview. Whether that justifies the intense scrutiny Twiggs has faced is another story. Relatives of Twiggs describe him as someone who was just trying to get his life together, battling his own demons while living with a man who was quietly planning an assassination.
Separating Fact from Fiction
There’s been a ton of misinformation flying around about this case. Let's clear some of it up:
- Was Lance Twiggs an accomplice? Currently, no. The FBI says he had no idea the attack was planned until he saw the note under the keyboard.
- Is he in jail? No. Twiggs has moved out of state and is represented by an attorney, but he remains a free man.
- What about the rifle? The gun used was a Mauser bolt-action rifle that belonged to Robinson's grandfather. It wasn't something Twiggs provided.
The legal battle for Tyler Robinson is just beginning. His defense team is already trying to disqualify prosecutors, and the case is expected to cost Utah taxpayers "eight figures."
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The story of Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs is a messy intersection of mental health, radicalization, and personal identity. If you're following the legal proceedings, here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Witness Tampering Charges: Watch how the court handles Robinson’s attempt to get Twiggs to delete evidence. This will be a "make or break" for the obstruction charges.
- The Sentencing: Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Robinson’s defense will likely lean heavily on his mental state and political "indoctrination."
- Lance Twiggs' Testimony: If the case goes to trial, Twiggs will be the star witness. His description of their life in that St. George apartment will be the most direct evidence of Robinson's state of mind.
For those looking for deeper context, reading the full charging documents released by the Fourth District Court in Provo provides the most accurate timeline of the text exchanges between the two.