Charlie Kirk murder case: Suspect allegedly told roommate he ‘wished he hadn’t done it’ | Today’s news
The man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk allegedly told his roommate and romantic partner that he “wished he hadn’t done it” the day after the killing, according to evidence presented in a Utah court Thursday.
During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors played a taped interview with Lance Twiggs, who told investigators that defendant Tyler Robinson made the remark at their apartment in southeastern Utah, more than 200 miles from Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot.
According to prosecutors, Robinson later posted a message on the Discord platform that read, “I was at UVU yesterday,” about an hour before he surrendered to authorities.
The court allows the release of key evidence
The tape was released after state District Judge Tony Graf rejected defense efforts to keep it sealed.
Defense attorneys argued that releasing Twiggs’ statements and Discord messages would be tantamount to a public confession in court, which could prejudice Robinson’s right to a fair hearing.
After lengthy arguments – including submissions from lawyers representing Kirk’s family – the judge allowed a redacted version of the interview to be played in court.
Robinson has been charged with first degree murder, but has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors cite notes and text messages
Investigators also produced notes and text messages Robinson and Twiggs allegedly exchanged before the shooting.
According to prosecutors, Robinson wrote in the note, “I had an opportunity to take Charlie Kirk out and I’m going to take it.”
He also allegedly texted Twiggs that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hate.”
State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis testified that other reports showed Robinson expressed concern about leaving fingerprints on the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting.
Prosecutors also said ammunition recovered from the gun had messages engraved on it, including “Hey fascist! Grab it!” and another derogatory sentence.
During the hearing, Robinson reportedly frowned and grimaced when the reports were shown. He appeared in court in a jacket and tie, with one hand cuffed to his waist as he took notes.
Housemates granted immunity
Twiggs was interviewed twice by investigators after the September shooting and granted immunity in exchange for his cooperation, meaning his statements cannot be used against him in any future criminal proceedings.
He testified that although Robinson occasionally discussed politics and President Donald Trump, he had never heard him mention Charlie Kirk before the shooting. Twiggs also said Robinson rarely spoke about gender issues or LGBTQ rights.
The death penalty remains possible
Prosecutors are trying to prove aggravating factors that could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty under Utah law.
They argue that the shooting endangered members of the public attending Kirk’s event and that Robinson targeted the conservative activist because of his political beliefs.
A preliminary hearing will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
The victim’s family is seeking transparency
Lawyers representing Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, argued for greater public access to evidence presented during the hearing.
Family lawyer Jeffrey Neiman said transparency was essential to maintaining public confidence in the justice system and argued that withholding evidence could cast doubt on the legal process.
Judge Graf said he would balance the interests of transparency with the need to protect both the victims’ families and the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Deadly shooting at Utah Valley University
Investigators say Robinson climbed onto a roof overlooking a public event at Utah Valley University and fatally shot Kirk in the neck as he answered questions from the crowd.
Authorities later found an automatic rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the crime scene. The weapon reportedly contained one spent round.
Robinson surrendered to law enforcement the following day.
Several members of Robinson’s and Kirk’s families attended Thursday’s hearing, along with Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. Robinson’s mother became emotional as prosecutors read the Discord messages into the court record.
Read also | Erika Kirk comes face-to-face with Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer Tyler Robinson
