Introduction
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Saint George, Utah, has become a central figure in national headlines following his arrest for the alleged assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 12, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem. While much of the public discourse has focused on the political implications of the shooting, significant attention has also been drawn to Robinson’s personal life, particularly his romantic relationship with his roommate. This relationship, described by authorities as romantic and intimate, has been scrutinized through court-released text messages and official statements, providing a window into Robinson’s private world just before and after the incident. This article delves into the details of Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship, drawing from investigative reports, court documents, and public statements to offer a comprehensive overview.
Background on Tyler Robinson
Before the events of September 2025, little was publicly known about Tyler Robinson. He lived in southwestern Utah, where he shared an apartment with his partner. Robinson’s family, including his parents, played a role in his eventual surrender to authorities, reportedly intervening to prevent a suicide attempt and encouraging him to turn himself in at a local sheriff’s office. His background does not appear to include prior criminal activity or public notoriety, making the allegations against him all the more shocking. Searches for information on Robinson’s past relationships or previous girlfriends yield no substantial results beyond his current partnership, suggesting that his romantic history has remained private until now.
The Romantic Relationship with Lance Twiggs
At the heart of the revelations about Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship is his partnership with Lance Twiggs, identified as his roommate and romantic partner. Twiggs, a transgender individual transitioning from male to female, shared an apartment with Robinson in Saint George. Authorities, including Utah Governor Spencer Cox and FBI officials, have confirmed the romantic nature of their bond, noting that the couple lived together in what was described as a committed relationship. Twiggs has been cooperative with investigators, providing key evidence that has shaped the case against Robinson, including text messages and access to their shared living space for searches.
The relationship appears to have been affectionate and supportive, as evidenced by the tone of their communications. In the hours following the shooting, Robinson referred to Twiggs with terms of endearment such as “love,” expressing concern for his partner’s well-being amid the chaos. For instance, Robinson texted, “you are all I worry about love,” highlighting a level of emotional intimacy. Twiggs, in turn, expressed worry for Robinson’s safety, responding with questions about his whereabouts and well-being. Despite the gravity of the situation, these exchanges reveal a dynamic of mutual care, though they also underscore Robinson’s attempts to involve or shield Twiggs from the fallout.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino publicly confirmed Twiggs’ identity during an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, emphasizing that Twiggs had no prior knowledge of Robinson’s alleged plans and is not facing any charges. The FBI seized computers and other items from their apartment as part of the investigation, but officials have stressed Twiggs’ full cooperation. This partnership has fueled speculation about potential motives, given Kirk’s outspoken views on gender identity and transgender issues. Some reports suggest that Robinson may have been influenced by Kirk’s rhetoric, with Robinson himself stating in texts that he “had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” However, no direct evidence ties the relationship itself to the motive beyond circumstantial connections.
Key Evidence: The Text Messages
The most detailed insights into Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship come from a series of text messages exchanged with Twiggs on the day of the shooting, as detailed in charging documents released by Utah County prosecutors. These messages, provided by Twiggs to authorities, paint a picture of confession, regret, and logistical concerns intertwined with personal affection.
The exchange began when Robinson instructed Twiggs to “drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard,” where Twiggs discovered a note reading, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” Twiggs responded with disbelief: “What?????????????? You’re joking, right????” Robinson affirmed his actions, apologizing and explaining his predicament: “I am, I’m sorry.” He discussed challenges in retrieving his rifle from the scene due to police presence, expressing frustration over potential evidence like fingerprints and the rifle’s unique features, which lacked a serial number and had sentimental value tied to his grandfather.
Throughout the conversation, romantic undertones persisted. Robinson reassured Twiggs of his safety, saying, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” and later advised deleting the messages and avoiding media or police without legal counsel: “don’t talk to the media please. don’t take any interviews or make any comments. … if any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent.” The messages also touched on the ammunition used, which reportedly bore anti-fascist engravings, described by Robinson as a “big meme.”
These texts have sparked public debate, with some online commentators questioning their authenticity, labeling them as “scripted” or “fake” due to their detailed and narrative-like quality. For example, one X user remarked on the formality of the language, suggesting it seemed unnatural for a romantic partner. Additionally, ABC News reporter Matt Gutman faced backlash after describing the exchanges as “very touching” during a broadcast, later issuing an apology on X for the phrasing amid criticism from conservative outlets.
Implications and Public Reaction
The disclosure of Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship with Lance Twiggs has intersected with broader political narratives. Kirk, known for his conservative stance on issues like transgender rights, was a vocal critic of what he termed “gender ideology.” Some investigators have explored whether Robinson’s relationship influenced his alleged actions, with reports indicating authorities were “aghast” at potential ties to Kirk’s views on gender identity. Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly addressed the relationship, confirming its romantic nature and noting Twiggs’ transgender status in discussions about cooperation with authorities.
Public reaction on platforms like X has been polarized. Posts range from transcripts of the texts shared for analysis to skeptical commentary questioning the narrative’s plausibility. One thread transcribed the full exchange from court documents, garnering significant engagement. Others have used the relationship to challenge political affiliations, arguing that Robinson’s personal life aligns more with leftist ideologies than conservative ones.
Conclusion
Tyler Robinson’s romantic relationship with Lance Twiggs stands out as the primary known aspect of his personal life, brought to light amid the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Characterized by affection, trust, and ultimately betrayal through confession, the relationship has provided crucial evidence in the case while raising questions about motive and influence. As the legal proceedings continue—Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder and witness tampering—the full story may yet unfold. For now, it serves as a poignant reminder of how personal bonds can intersect with public acts of violence.
References
Anshu Pathak is a passionate writer and avid reader whose love for stories shapes her world. With a heart full of imagination, she weaves tales that resonate with emotion and depth. When she’s not crafting her next piece, you can find her lost in the pages of a novel, exploring new worlds and perspectives. At Moodframe Space, Anshu shares her creative journey, offering insights, stories, and reflections that inspire and connect with readers everywhere.