File photo: Lance Twiggs (Picture credit: X)
The transgender live-in partner of Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, has been described by friends and family as a “good kid” with no part in the plot, according to interviews with those who knew him.Lance Twiggs, 22, had been living with Robinson in St. George, Utah, before reportedly relocating to a “safe space very far away from St. George” for security reasons, Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said. Twiggs has not been charged in connection with the killing and is reportedly cooperating with authorities.During his high school years, Twiggs clashed with his family over their Mormon faith and reportedly experimented with alcohol and drugs, leading him to move between homes. He eventually stayed with a family of friends, including brothers who sheltered him during his junior year in 2021. Braylon Nielsen, 19, the sister of the two brothers, described Twiggs as “hardworking” and a “straight A” student who “went out of his way to make sure everyone was included”.Nielsen recalled Twiggs’ generosity and was quoted by the New York Post as saying, “We went to a dance once, a high school dance, and he was very involved with it. Made sure everyone had rides. Made sure everyone had clothes. He just took care of people. My sister’s car broke down once, and he came out to help her.” She added that she had no idea Twiggs was transgender, but emphasised that he “would never do something like that” in reference to the assassination.Nielsen’s mother, Jackie, echoed her support and said, “I don’t believe Lance would have any part of that. He’s a good kid. He’s a kid. He’s compassionate. He minds his own business. I hope the world lightens up on him and stops being so hateful until they have all the facts”. “He doesn’t deserve this”, she added, as per the New York Post.Twiggs’ community ties remain positive despite the shocking events. UT Success Academy executive director Ben Kaufman, who did not overlap with Twiggs, said he had only heard “glowing reports” of him, “Everything I’ve heard about him, he was a great kid. He was nice. He worked hard”.
