Suspect Texted Confession to Roommate After Killing Charlie Kirk, Court Hears
Tyler Robinson, 23, confessed in text messages to his roommate that he assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, at a university event in Orem, Utah, stating he had "enough of his hatred," according to testimony and evidence presented in a preliminary hearing. [3]
Suspect's Texts Detail Confession and Motive
Prosecutors presented text messages in which Robinson told his roommate Lance Twiggs to "drop what you're doing" and "look under your keyboard" shortly after the shooting. [3] Robinson then admitted in the exchange, "I am" the shooter, and added, "I'm sorry." [5] When Twiggs asked why, Robinson responded that he had "had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out." [3] Robinson described leaving the rifle in bushes where he changed his clothes and said he planned to retrieve it later, stating, "If I'm able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence." [5] He complained about crickets being loud and worried that a sniffer dog might locate the firearm while he waited nearby. [3] Robinson texted that he was still in Orem near Utah Valley University and would update Twiggs by midnight about retrieving the weapon. [5] He also wrote that he had planned the shooting for "a bit over a week" and instructed Twiggs to "Delete this exchange." [3] In another message, Robinson said he intended to turn himself in willingly and advised Twiggs to ask for a lawyer and stay silent if questioned by police. [5]
Evidence Includes Engraved Bullets and Rifle
Prosecutors displayed images of the bolt-action rifle alleged to be the murder weapon along with engraved bullets and cartridges recovered at the scene and at Robinson's residence. [3] Inscriptions on cartridges found at the scene included messages such as "If you read this, you are gay" and "Fascist! Catch!" while a cartridge engraved with "Test Shot" was located at the home shared with Twiggs. [3] Robinson had asked for an engraving tool months earlier, claiming he wanted to inscribe bullets for a family camping and hunting trip. [3] In the text messages, Robinson referenced the engraved bullets and described the messages as "mostly a big meme." [5] He also wrote that he worried about prints on the rifle and had to leave it behind because he did not have time to bring it when changing outfits. [5]
Roommate's Account of Post-Shooting Behavior
In a video interview played in court, Twiggs described Robinson returning to their apartment the next day and confirming in person that the text messages from the previous night were true. [3] Twiggs said Robinson "started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it" before continuing with daily activities to stay busy or distracted. [3] Robinson told Twiggs he planned to turn himself in, and later that day he arrived at the Washington County Sheriff's Office around 21:00 accompanied by his parents and a family friend. [3] Twiggs noted that Robinson left their apartment earlier than usual on the day of the shooting, around 04:00, which Twiggs initially believed was for a farther work assignment. [3]
Forensic Links and Hearing Proceedings
An FBI report presented during the hearing stated that DNA belonging to both Robinson and Twiggs was found on the rifle, a screwdriver and a towel recovered at the scene. [3] The defense questioned the analyst who signed the report about protocol, testing, interpretation and margins of error. [3] Portions of Twiggs' video statement and the text exchanges were redacted, with some segments played only for those present in court. [3] Judge Tony Graf ruled that the footage and text exchanges could be published with redactions. [3] Robinson's defense team raised repeated objections to exhibits and testimony throughout the proceeding. [3] The hearing is determining whether there is enough evidence for a trial in the possible death penalty case. [3]
What to watch next: The judge will continue to decide on publication of additional evidence and the defense may present further challenges before a determination on whether the case proceeds to trial.
