In the aftermath of the shocking shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, attention has turned to Tyler Robinson’s circle—particularly his transgender boyfriend, Lance Twiggs.
While Robinson faces the death penalty for allegedly killing the Turning Point USA founder, friends insist that Twiggs had no involvement in the crime and was simply struggling with his own challenges.
Struggling with Family and Identity
Twiggs, 22, reportedly turned to marijuana and mushrooms while coping with being ostracized by his strict Mormon parents.
But despite media speculation linking him to the shooting, a family friend who took him in emphasizes that any connection is “simply unfathomable.”
Jackie Nielsen, 41, whose six children went to school with Twiggs in Washington, Utah, described him as “a good-hearted boy” who was never violent or cruel.
“The version of Lance that’s being talked about in the media is not the kind, shy boy I’ve known for years,” she said.
A Safe Haven in St. George
Twiggs had spent time at the Nielsen household during his teenage years, playing video games and hanging out with the family’s children.
When conflicts with his parents escalated, Jackie and her husband Nathan provided him a place to stay.
“I did not see any rebellion or disrespect,” Jackie explained.
“He was just a kid in turmoil, and it’s scary when you don’t align with your family’s beliefs.”
Twiggs’ parents, Tyler and Amy Twiggs, reportedly continued to support him financially despite their strained relationship, covering expenses for insurance, piano lessons, prescriptions, and doctor visits.
Navigating Life and Mental Health Challenges
Friends note that Twiggs struggled with mental health issues as an adult.
While he experimented with marijuana, mushrooms, and occasional alcohol, his close friends and Jackie’s family say he remained kind and caring.
He was also transitioning, growing his hair longer, and living authentically as a transgender man, though only a small circle of friends and family knew about it.
“He was so far from pushing his ideas on others,” Jackie said. “He just accepted people the way they are.”
Text Exchanges Show No Prior Knowledge
Authorities have released text messages between Robinson and Twiggs that appear to confirm Twiggs had no foreknowledge of the shooting.
One exchange shows Twiggs asking, “You weren’t the one who did it, right?” to which Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry,” and later instructed Twiggs to delete the conversation.
Another message referencing engraved bullets raised questions, but there’s no evidence Twiggs participated in any planning.
Being Treated as a Witness, Not a Suspect
FBI sources have indicated that Twiggs is considered a “significant and essential witness” rather than a suspect.
He was taken in for questioning shortly after Robinson’s arrest on September 12.
Jackie’s sons, who were part of the couple’s social circle, were able to speak to Twiggs briefly before the raid but have not had contact since, leaving the family worried about his well-being.
A Community in Shock
For Jackie and her children, the events have been surreal. “One of my sons wakes up every morning and doesn’t think the world around him is real,” she said.
“He’s so sad for Lance and never imagined Tyler would do something like this.”
The community has also mourned Charlie Kirk, with a massive memorial held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
His widow, Erika Kirk, delivered an emotional speech forgiving her husband’s alleged killer, calling it what her late husband would have done.
A Complicated Picture Amid Tragedy
While Tyler Robinson faces serious charges, Twiggs’ story underscores the challenges faced by young people navigating identity, family conflict, and mental health.
Friends and loved ones hope that public misconceptions will not overshadow the truth about his character: a shy, kind, and compassionate person caught in the wake of an unimaginable tragedy.