Exclusive: Roommate’s Background Uncovered
ST. GEORGE, Utah – The transgender roommate of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has a troubled past, having been expelled from his parents’ home due to issues related to substance abuse, gender identity, and a persistent addiction to video games.
Lance Twiggs, who has not faced any criminal charges, relocated to a townhome in St. George after staying with his grandparents following his father’s decision to kick him out. This 22-year-old is currently transitioning from male to female and has familial ties that have been confirmed. According to family members, he was removed from his parents’ home at 18.
He shared the apartment in southwest Utah with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who faces accusations of killing Turning Point USA founder Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah.
Kirk was hospitalized in critical condition after the shooting but later succumbed to his injuries. Robinson has been charged with first-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and a felony involving discharged firearms that resulted in serious harm.
“His father thought he was being respectful but had problems, so they kicked him out,” a relative mentioned. “He lived with his grandparents until he graduated from high school.”
An anonymous source added that Twiggs is grappling with substance misuse issues, becoming increasingly fixated on video games while navigating his gender transition.
“The gaming obsession? It stemmed from using drugs and alcohol,” she explained.
The relative also noted that the family always tried to assist him in various ways.
“He moved to the townhome and paid his own rent. At one point, he had a different college roommate,” said the family member.
Initially, Twiggs moved into the townhome before Robinson, who joined last year, and it appears they had a romantic relationship.
“He managed to keep his job and pay rent; he was technically an adult,” she shared. “When the other college roommates moved out, Tyler became his roommate.”
Timeline of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
September 10, 2025 – 11:51 am: Surveillance footage captures the suspect, later identified as Robinson, walking in a manner that raised suspicions. He was dressed in dark clothing and carried a hidden rifle, as outlined in the charging documents.
12:15 pm: The cameras show the suspect climbing over a railing to a rooftop overlooking UVU Plaza, positioning himself strategically.
12:23 pm: During a Turning Point USA event, the suspect fires a single shot from a .30-06 bolt action rifle while Kirk responds to questions regarding mass shootings. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck, endangering attendees and children nearby, as noted in the charging documents.
Immediately after the shooting: Robinson fled across the rooftop, carrying the rifle and running to the northeastern section of the campus.
Shortly thereafter: Law enforcement initiated a 33-hour manhunt, cordoning off parts of Orem, Utah, and releasing surveillance images of the shooter. The murder weapon was later found wrapped in towels in a nearby wooded area.
September 10, 2025 – Robinson tasked his roommate Twiggs with filming and deleting certain messages while expressing his belief that Kirk was “spreading too much hatred.” He also mentioned carving “meme-like” phrases on the bullets.
September 11, 2025 – Morning: Robinson’s mother identified him from news coverage of the suspect. The family urged him to consider surrendering.
September 11, 2025 – Evening: Robinson, alongside family and friends, voluntarily turned himself in at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
September 16, 2025: The Utah County Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Robinson, which include first-degree murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and tampering with witnesses in the presence of a child.
