A relative told Fox News Digital that Lance Twiggs, the transgender roommate of the man charged in the shooting death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was described as problematic by family members before his parents kicked him out.
Twiggs, 22, moved into a St. George townhome after living with his grandparents following his father kicking him out when he was 18. He is transitioning from male to female, the relative confirmed. He shared an apartment in southwestern Utah with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who authorities say assassinated Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10. Kirk was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later died, officials said. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
According to the relative, the roommate was struggling with substance abuse issues, addicted to video games and grappling with his gender identity. “But the real reason he was acting out was because he was using drugs and alcohol, and was addicted to gaming,” the relative said. The family had previously described Twiggs as someone who had tried to put on the act that he had changed, the relative added. The relative noted that Twiggs moved into the townhome first, paying full rent, while other college roommates were present at the time; Robinson moved in last year. The two were reportedly in a romantic relationship, according to the relative.
Timeline of the shooting shows the sequence of events on Sept. 10, 2025. Surveillance video captured the suspect entering UVU’s campus wearing dark clothing, sunglasses and carrying a concealed rifle. About 12:15 p.m., the suspect was seen climbing onto a rooftop overlooking the UVU plaza and taking a prone position consistent with a sniper setup. At 12:23 p.m., during a Turning Point USA event, the suspect fired a single shot from a .30-06 bolt-action rifle, striking Kirk in the neck. The suspect fled the rooftop and authorities launched a 33-hour manhunt, locking down portions of Orem and circulating surveillance images. The murder weapon, wrapped in a towel and with engraved markings, was later recovered in a wooded area near campus. The investigation also showed messages in which the suspect admitted responsibility to the roommate and urged him to delete texts and stated motives tied to beliefs that Kirk “spread too much hate.”
After the shooting, Robinson’s family urged him to surrender. On Sept. 11, 2025, Robinson’s mother recognized him from news photos as authorities pressed for his surrender. He turned himself in at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office later that day, accompanied by his parents and a family friend. On Sept. 16, 2025, the Utah County Attorney’s Office filed formal charges against Robinson, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing violence in the presence of children. Officials have not said publicly whether Twiggs faces charges in connection with the case, and the relative indicated Twiggs has not been charged.
The case remains under investigation as authorities review the full timeline of events and the relationships among those tied to the shooting at UVU. The Fox News exclusive draws on statements from a relative who spoke on background, and the facts presented come from charging documents and official releases related to the case. The public timeline and court filings continue to evolve as prosecutors outline their theory of the motive and the sequence of actions surrounding the attack.
The investigation and related legal proceedings include ongoing scrutiny of the shooter’s behavioral history and the living arrangements with Twiggs, who reportedly moved into the residence before Robinson and later became his roommate. The case has intensified scrutiny of the dynamics surrounding the two individuals and their relationship, as authorities continue to piece together how the events unfolded on Sept. 10 at UVU. Additional details are expected as prosecutors advance the case and provide updates in court.
The case is proceeding under Utah authorities with the investigation and filings continuing to shape the legal narrative surrounding the shooting that stunned many across the United States.