ST. GEORGE, Utah — Lance Twiggs, the transgender partner of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of attempting to assassinate Charlie Kirk, experienced instability during his final years in high school due to disagreements with his family over their Mormon lifestyle.
At just 22, Twiggs was forced out of his family home after distancing himself from the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, coupled with issues surrounding underage substance use. During this tumultuous period, he found support from friends, including two brothers from a large blended family, as recounted by their sister, Braylon Nielsen, in a conversation with The Post.
“He moved around a lot. He stayed on different couches, living with us for a while but not wanting to impose on our hospitality. He often stayed with other friends,” she shared.
“I cherished my time with Lance. His parents’ decision to kick him out created a rift, as they never fit well with my family’s dynamics,” she continued, describing them as overly devout and dismissing critical views about them as mere gossip.
“From my understanding, Lance hasn’t engaged in drug use. He was never interested in partying,” she stated.
Nielsen highlighted Twiggs’ dedication as both a hardworking and high-achieving student who prioritized inclusivity during his time at UT Success Academy, which offered advanced courses for gifted learners.
“We attended a high school dance together once, and he was incredibly proactive, making sure everyone had transportation and appropriate clothes. He genuinely took care of his peers. When my sister had car trouble, he was right there to help,” she recalled.
Ben Kaufman, executive director of UT Success Academy, noted that while he wasn’t at the school when Twiggs was, he has received nothing but positive feedback from those associated with the school about Twiggs’ character.
“All reports indicate he was a fantastic student, friendly, and diligent,” he commented.
Despite their close friendship, Nielsen admitted she was unaware of Twiggs’ transgender identity.
She vehemently defended him, asserting that he had no involvement in Robinson’s actions. “I firmly believe Tyler was the one responsible. The Lance I knew wouldn’t have participated in that. It’s unimaginable,” she reiterated.
Nielsen’s mother, Jackie, also expressed her strong belief in Twiggs’ innocence regarding the assassination conspiracy, wishing for him to find peace when the investigation concludes.
“I cannot conceive that Lance would ever be associated with something like this. He’s a kind-hearted young man who focuses on his own life. I hope everyone is gentle with him until all the facts are revealed. He doesn’t deserve to be burdened with this,” she told The Post.
Twiggs has recently left the shared townhouse with Robinson in St. George, Utah, to seek refuge.
Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby previously mentioned that Twiggs was in a “safe location far removed from St. George” and needed “to remain out of the spotlight for the foreseeable future.”
As of now, he has not faced any charges related to the assassination of Kirk and is reportedly aiding law enforcement in their investigation.
