Behind the Trigger: Behavioral Health Ties to Charlie Kirk’s Political Assassination
Republished with permission from AbleChild.
The political assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University more than two weeks ago shocked the nation and raised interesting questions about the role of behavioral health and its connection to powerful social networks.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, from Washington, Utah, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder for the shooting. His roommate, Lance Twiggs, is now an important figure in the investigation because the young men were in a romantic relationship and share interesting ties to behavioral health services. This investigation has exposed a complex web that includes Intermountain Healthcare, LLC and Arnold Ventures, a private philanthropy heavily involved in funding behavioral health programs through Intermountain Health Care and the justice system.
Robinson is facing aggravated murder charges with the possibility of the death penalty and has been appointed an attorney as promised by 4th District Judge Tony Graf. After a 33-hour manhunt, Robinson reportedly surrendered without incident with the encouragement of family and friends.
A key element of this case is the role of Robinson’s mother, Amber, who, as a certified social worker, is employed by Intermountain Care Coordination, LLC. This company is a contracted vendor with the State of Utah, acting as a middleman between state government and healthcare needs of individuals. Intermountain Care Coordination manages a $750,000 behavioral health vendor contract, connecting those in need of health services with appropriate providers.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox must explain how Amber Robinson’s employment and responsibilities connect to state-run behavioral programs, including referrals for transgender care through Intermountain Health. Specifically, did Robinson’s mother have any connection to the reported gender-affirming hormone therapy being taken by her son’s partner, Lance Twiggs?
Twiggs has drawn attention not only because he is the reported romantic partner of Robinson but also because of his own treatment for gender transition. Utah provides specialized behavioral health programs through Intermountain that include experimental psychiatric treatments, such as transgender care and even psychiatric implants. While investigators have not confirmed which facility Twiggs was being treated, many believe this needs to be made public. These programs often involve experimental and intensive services, with treatments aimed at both transgender individuals and those with broader mental health or substance use challenges. The serious nature of these interventions has raised concerns about human rights, medical ethics, and whether patients are truly provided all the information to make informed decisions about healthcare choices.
Another factor shaping the case is Arnold Ventures, a well-known philanthropic organization focused on health, criminal justice, and social reform. Arnold Ventures has a long partnership history with Intermountain Healthcare. Its founder, John Arnold, previously was a major player at the colossally failed energy behemoth, Enron. Arnold left the company with an $8 million bonus just prior to Enron’s implosion in late 2001, Arnold was not implicated in the scandal.
In 2002, Arnold started the hedge fund Centaurus Advisors, which he ran until his retirement in 2012, when he and his wife, Laura, shifted to philanthropy, with a major focus on public policy and behavioral health.
Just six days before Kirk’s assassination, Governor Cox met with the philanthropist in Washington, D.C. This is being closely examined because Robinson’s legal defense comes from the Utah State Public Defender’s Office, which itself receives significant support and influence from policies tied to Arnold Ventures, such as public defense reform across the US. This overlap connects Robinson’s case with a much larger system involving healthcare providers, government contracts, outside funders, and state leadership. Arnold Ventures, through Civica Rx, is tied to Intermountain Healthcare in Utah as Intermountain Healthcare is one of the founding health systems of Civica Rx.
Civica Rx was established in 2018 by seven major health systems, including Intermountain Healthcare and the philanthropic organization Arnold Ventures (formerly Laura and John Arnold Foundation).
The behavioral health connections highlight concern about transparency, oversight, and accountability within Utah’s behavioral health network—especially in programs serving those undergoing gender transition or intensive psychiatric interventions.
As the court process moves forward, this tragedy points to a deeper need for public discussion about how behavioral health care is managed, how patients are protected, and how political and financial networks shape mental health services in Utah. As the investigation continues, more details will likely emerge as official reports are released. AbleChild believes the behavioral health of both Robinson and Twiggs will play a large role as the case winds through the court system.
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AbleChild is a 501(3) C nonprofit organization that has recently co-written landmark legislation in Tennessee, setting a national precedent for transparency and accountability in the intersection of mental health, pharmaceutical practices, and public safety.
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