Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
EXCLUSIVE: ST. GEORGE, Utah – A relative has disclosed that the transgender roommate of Tyler Robinson, the individual accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faced significant challenges before the crime. According to the source, Lance Twiggs was expelled from his family home due to substance abuse issues, struggles with gender identity, and a video game addiction.
Lance, who has not been charged with any crime, resided with his grandparents after his father chose to kick him out. The 22-year-old is undergoing a transition from male to female, as confirmed by the relative. Notably, Twiggs was removed from his parents’ home at the age of 18.
The relationship between Twiggs and Robinson developed in a shared apartment in southwestern Utah. Robinson stands accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Following the incident, Kirk sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his wounds. Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and unlawful firearm discharge causing serious injury.
The roommate’s relative explained the circumstances leading to Twiggs’ ejection from his parental home. “His father felt he wasn’t being respectful and deemed him problematic, resulting in his expulsion,” the source stated. “Afterward, he lived with his grandparents until he graduated high school at 18.”
Describing Twiggs’ struggles, the relative noted that he battled with substance abuse and exhibited a dependency on gaming, all the while dealing with ongoing issues surrounding his gender identity.
“The core issue motivating his behavior was the use of drugs and alcohol, coupled with his addiction to video games,” she remarked.
The family member further revealed that Twiggs attempted to project an image of stability, claiming he had changed. “He moved into a townhome and took care of the rent, mingling with other college students at the time,” she shared.
According to the relative, Twiggs initially settled into the townhome before Robinson moved in last year, and their relationship blossomed into romance.
“He managed to keep a job and handle his rent, essentially functioning as an adult. However, the circumstances changed when the other college roommates vacated, leaving Tyler as his only companion,” she explained.
In the hours leading to the tragic shooting on September 10, surveillance footage captured Robinson’s actions on the Utah Valley University campus. Dressed in dark clothing and sunglasses, he was first spotted walking with a concealed rifle, exhibiting unusual movements.
At lunchtime, he was seen climbing onto a rooftop overlooking the UVU plaza, taking a prone position reminiscent of a sniper preparing for an attack.
During a Turning Point USA event, while Kirk answered a question regarding mass shootings, Robinson fired a single shot from a .30-06 bolt-action rifle, striking Kirk in the neck. The attack endangered children and other attendees present at the event.
Immediately after the shooting, Robinson fled the scene, carrying his rifle, and evaded capture, prompting law enforcement to initiate a manhunt. They locked down parts of Orem, disseminating surveillance images of the shooter, while the murder weapon was located concealed in a nearby wooded area.
On September 10, Robinson sent a message to his roommate Twiggs, taking responsibility for the shooting and instructing him to delete all related texts. He expressed motivations tied to a belief that Kirk “spread too much hate,” even mentioning engravings on bullets resembling “meme-like” inscriptions.
The following morning, Robinson’s mother recognized him in news footage of the incident. Subsequent family discussions led to Robinson being persuaded to surrender.
By nighttime, accompanied by his parents and a family friend, Robinson turned himself in at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
On September 16, the Utah County Attorney’s Office officially filed charges against Robinson, outlining accusations of aggravated murder, illegal firearm discharge, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing violent acts in the presence of children.
As the case continues to unfold, the complexities of both the allegations against Robinson and the background of his roommate invite deeper inquiries into the factors that might have contributed to such a tragic incident.
Understanding the challenges faced by individuals like Twiggs provides crucial context as community members seek to address broader issues related to mental health and safety. Moving forward, discussions about preventative measures and support systems must take center stage.
