The FBI has ended a protective detail for Lance Twiggs, the transgender roommate and romantic partner of accused shooter Tyler Robinson; Twiggs, 22, has not been charged. Family members described past struggles with substance use and gaming addiction, and Twiggs reportedly cooperated early with investigators, providing texts and a handwritten note. Retired FBI personnel say protection is often reevaluated after key evidence is secured. A Jan. 16 hearing on a motion to remove the local prosecutor could affect trial timelines.
FBI Withdraws Protection for Lance Twiggs, Partner of Accused Charlie Kirk Shooter
Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025.(Fox News)
A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that Lance Twiggs — the transgender roommate and romantic partner of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk — is no longer receiving FBI protection. Twiggs, 22, has not been charged with any crime, and the FBI has not publicly explained why the protective detail was withdrawn.
A relative previously told Fox News Digital that Twiggs moved to a townhome in St. George, Utah, after living with grandparents following a dispute with his father that led to his leaving the family home at 18. The relative said Twiggs was in the process of transitioning and had struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and a video-game addiction, which family members said contributed to repeated conflicts.
Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah.
Cooperation With Investigators
According to court filings and law enforcement sources, Twiggs cooperated early in the investigation and provided material evidence to investigators, including text messages, a handwritten note found under a keyboard, and communications about a rifle. Court documents allege Robinson texted Twiggs shortly before the Sept. 10 attack and asked him to "look under my keyboard." Investigators say the note read:
"I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it."
Prosecutors also say that after the shooting Twiggs exchanged text messages with Robinson in which Twiggs asked, "You weren’t the one who did it right????" and Robinson allegedly replied, "I am, I’m sorry," according to filings.
People run after shots were fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed.
Why Protection Was Ended
Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack told Fox News Digital that the Bureau commonly reevaluates protection once the cooperation phase has produced key evidence. Pack said that with Robinson in custody since Sept. 10, no known credible threats against Twiggs, and the early transfer of critical materials to investigators, federal protection may no longer have been deemed necessary. He also noted that protective details require substantial resources and can be reassessed if circumstances change.
Case Status And Next Steps
Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Officials say Robinson told investigators he killed Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred," adding that "some hate can’t be negotiated out."
A judge is scheduled to hear argument on Jan. 16 on Robinson’s motion to remove the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office from the case; if granted, a special prosecutor would be appointed and trial timing—including the state’s potential pursuit of the death penalty—could be delayed. Twiggs has since moved out of state and retained an attorney.
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