Lance Twiggs, identified as the transgender lover of accused killer Tyler Robinson, will provide testimony via video at a crucial pre-trial hearing this week, as security concerns prevent his in-person appearance. Twiggs is considered a key figure in the prosecution's case against Robinson, who is accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025.
Robinson's defense attorneys had sought to compel Twiggs to testify in person for cross-examination. However, a judge ruled that his previously recorded statements, including video tapes, written transcripts, and intimate text messages, would be admissible for the pre-trial proceedings. These statements are expected to form a significant part of the prosecution's evidence.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson confessed to the killing in a handwritten note left for Twiggs in their shared apartment in St. George, Utah. The note reportedly read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." Twiggs, who has not been charged with any crime, has been cooperating with authorities since Kirk's assassination.
Twiggs, 22, has reportedly provided investigators with text messages exchanged with Robinson after Kirk's death and voluntarily submitted his DNA. These messages, according to prosecutors, place Robinson at the center of the alleged plot and reveal his motivations. Robinson is quoted as telling Twiggs that he killed Kirk to stop the influencer's "hate."
Background on Lance Twiggs
Twiggs, who is transgender and uses the name Luna, grew up in St. George, Utah, in a family with a strict Mormon background. His father worked as a hot tub salesman and his mother as an insurance broker. He attended a high school for academically gifted students, where he excelled as a pianist. However, reports suggest that Twiggs later fell out with his family and experienced hardship after graduating high school, moving into a townhouse with Robinson.
A relative indicated that Twiggs' father disowned him at 18, citing disrespect and problematic behavior, with issues related to "gender identity" playing a role, alongside alleged drug and alcohol use and gaming addiction. Conversely, a former friend disputed the addiction claims, stating Twiggs' estrangement from his family stemmed from his rejection of their Mormon faith. This friend described Twiggs as a hardworking student whose parents struggled to accept his views.
Investigators were seen at the townhouse shared by Twiggs and Robinson following Kirk's assassination. The pair reportedly entered a romantic relationship. While details of Twiggs' employment are unclear, some reports suggest he was employed and able to pay rent, while also aspiring to be a professional video game player.
The Alleged Plot and Confession
After Kirk's assassination, Twiggs reportedly went into hiding for several months. In February, he was reportedly located in Texas, where he had reconciled with his family. He later cooperated with the investigation, sharing messages with authorities that allegedly detail Robinson's planning and confession.
According to court filings, Robinson's messages to Twiggs outlined his alleged plan to kill Kirk and his efforts to conceal evidence, including his rifle. The filings also mention unspent shell casings found by authorities that were engraved with political messages. Robinson allegedly warned Twiggs not to speak to the media and to ask for a lawyer if questioned by police.
Twiggs' DNA was found on a towel wrapped around the alleged murder weapon, a detail that has been raised in Robinson's pre-trial hearings. Twiggs was granted limited immunity in exchange for his cooperation, meaning his statements cannot be used against him in court. The prosecution anticipates his recorded testimony will be central to the trial against Robinson.