The investigation into the shocking shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has taken a dramatic turn.
Police say a young man living with the suspected gunman handed over incriminating text messages that helped lead to an arrest.
The Roommate Who Spoke Up
Authorities revealed that 22-year-old Lance Twiggs, an aspiring professional gamer, turned over his roommate, Tyler Robinson, who is accused of carrying out the deadly attack.
The two lived together in a three-bedroom apartment in Saint George, Utah.
According to a law enforcement affidavit, Twiggs showed police messages Robinson sent about hiding a gun connected to Wednesday’s shooting.
Links to the Weapon
Investigators said Robinson’s texts described “leaving the rifle in a bush,” talking about a scope, and even mentioning engraved bullets.
Police later discovered a Mauser .30-06 caliber rifle wrapped in a towel near the UVU campus—just as the messages had suggested.
Officers also noted that Robinson wrote about changing clothes after the shooting.
Who Is Lance Twiggs?
Twiggs, who studied at Utah Tech University, spent much of his time gaming.
His TikTok account, featuring clips of himself playing titles like Apex Legends and Valorant, carried the tagline: “Becoming TikTok pros one terrible video at a time.”
Friends told reporters that Twiggs and Robinson were part of a large Discord chat with other gamers from Pine View High School.
The Alleged Shooter’s Profile
Robinson, also 22, was studying to become an electrician at a local technical college.
He once earned a $32,000 scholarship to Utah State University but dropped out after just one semester.
Neighbors described him as someone who blasted music with his roommate but rarely spoke to others.
One teenager recalled knocking on his door for odd jobs last week and said Robinson seemed nervous, constantly looking over his shoulder.
A Family’s Silence
While Robinson’s alleged messages were key to the arrest, Twiggs’ family has been careful not to speak publicly.
His grandfather, Jerry Twiggs, told reporters he didn’t want to comment on speculation.
His father also declined to say anything when approached at their home. Still, the affidavit makes clear that Twiggs himself is not accused of any wrongdoing.
Police Operation in Saint George
Neighbors watched early Friday morning as police descended on the Fossil Hills apartment complex where Robinson and Twiggs lived.
Investigators cordoned off the area, removed paper bags and computers from the apartment, and photographed the property inside and out.
The Bigger Picture
Utah Governor Spencer Cox suggested Robinson may have been “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” though investigators have not confirmed a motive.
For now, the focus remains on piecing together Robinson’s movements and intentions in the hours before and after the shooting.