Full Breakdown
Prosecutors Grant Limited Use-Immunity to Transgender Roommate in Charlie Kirk Murder Case
6/18/2026, 1:07:53 AM
Limited Use-Immunity Granted to Lance Twiggs
Prosecutors filed a court document stating that Lance Twiggs, the transgender roommate and romantic partner of alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, received “use-immunity” for a recorded statement given on April 20, 2026. The filing notes that Twiggs’ statements “could not be used against him,” allowing prosecutors to introduce his testimony without exposing him to self-incrimination risk.
Background to the Kirk Shooting
On September 19, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 23, was identified by police as the alleged assassin. Twiggs, 22, lived with Robinson and was described in multiple reports as his “roommate and flame.”
Key Participants
- Charlie Kirk – Target of the September 2025 shooting.
- Tyler Robinson – Charged with murder; author of a note saying he “had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk.”
- Lance Twiggs – Transgender roommate; granted limited immunity for a recorded interview.
- Judge Tony Graf – Utah District Judge overseeing the preliminary hearing.
- Christopher Ballard – Spokesman for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, whose public comments have been challenged by the defense.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Sept 19 2025 – Shooting of Charlie Kirk.
- Apr 20 2026 – Twiggs gives recorded statement; receives use-immunity.
- Mar 2026 – Prosecutors disclose >600,000 files to the defense.
- May 18 2026 – Original preliminary hearing date (postponed).
- June 1 2026 – Judge Graf denies defense request to exclude media.
- June 12 2026 – Evidentiary hearing on alleged pre-trial publicity violations.
- June 22 2026 – Expected ruling on Ballard’s comments and a key-witness video deposition.
- July 6 2026 – Rescheduled preliminary hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Over 600,000 prosecution files released.
- Twiggs: 22 years old; Robinson: 23 years old.
- Robinson’s note explicitly states he “had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk.”
Why It Matters
The immunity agreement enables prosecutors to present Twiggs’ testimony while shielding him from prosecution, potentially shaping the evidentiary foundation of the case. The defense argues that extensive media coverage, Ballard’s public statements, and the prospect of a death-penalty trial jeopardize a fair proceeding. Decisions on media access and pre-trial publicity will influence public perception and judicial discretion.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prosecutors’ filing warned that “any false statement would be punishable by law and could be charged as obstruction of justice.”
- Judge Graf ruled that media may be present at the July hearing and scheduled a separate hearing to assess whether Ballard’s remarks violated a pre-trial publicity order.
- Ballard’s comments on an inconclusive ballistics report have been cited by the defense as a possible order breach.
Criticism & Opposition
Robinson’s attorneys have sought a six-month delay to review the massive file dump, requested removal of the death-penalty option, and appealed the judge’s decision allowing cameras. They contend that Ballard’s public statements could prejudice the jury pool.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
It remains unclear whether Twiggs will be designated as a “key witness” at trial; prosecutors have not disclosed the full content of his recorded interview beyond summarized statements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Twiggs gave a recorded statement under oath and after an admonition that any false statement would be punishable by law and could be charged as obstruction of justice.” — Prosecutors, filing
- “Twiggs was also given use-immunity by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Utah County Attorney’s Office—meaning that his statements at that April 20 meeting could not be used against him," prosecutors wrote in the filing.” — Prosecutors, filing
- “had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk” — Tyler Robinson, note
- “use-immunity” — Prosecutors, filing
What’s Next
Judge Graf is slated to rule on Ballard’s comments and the admissibility of a key-witness video on June 22. The preliminary hearing set for July 6 will likely feature Twiggs’ recorded testimony, shaping the next phase of the murder prosecution.
