In a Utah courtroom on Thursday, the former lover of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, told investigators that Robinson expressed remorse for the killing. Lance Twiggs, who is cooperating with authorities and has not been charged, said in a recorded video interview played during Robinson's preliminary hearing that Robinson «started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it.» The hearing, now in its fourth day, is a procedural step to determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
The video, which prosecutors had attempted to present on Wednesday, was shown after a judge ordered redactions requested by the defense. Robinson appeared to watch the footage closely as Twiggs described the aftermath of the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Twiggs, who was Robinson's roommate and lover, identified himself as «Luna» to some associates, including Robinson. He has since left the state after being placed under FBI protection.
According to prosecutors, Twiggs received a text message from Robinson after the shooting, instructing him to look under his keyboard. There, Twiggs found a handwritten note, which was shown in court but not photographed. The note allegedly read, «I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.» When Twiggs texted Robinson asking if he was joking, Robinson allegedly replied, «I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.» Twiggs then asked, «You weren’t the one who did it right????» to which Robinson allegedly responded, «I am. I’m sorry.»
Twiggs also testified that Robinson began engraving bullets roughly a month before the shooting. Robinson had asked about a Dremel tool, claiming he wanted to create messages on bullets for a hunting trip with his family. Prosecutors have confirmed that cartridges and a spent casing recovered from the suspected murder weapon were engraved with messages, and a similar casing was found at the home Robinson and Twiggs shared. During the hearing, Robinson appeared uncomfortable, fidgeting in his chair as the Dremel tool was discussed. His family in the gallery also showed visible distress, with his brother bent over and his mother rubbing his back.
The hearing also included emotional moments for Kirk's family. When text messages between Robinson and Twiggs were read in court, Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, could be heard crying. The messages included Twiggs asking Robinson about the gun, which had already been recovered by police in a wooded area near the campus. According to Twiggs, Robinson left early on the morning of the shooting, saying he had a «long drive to work.» Twiggs said he heard Robinson leaving but did not know the exact time. Robinson allegedly lingered in the area until after midnight on September 11.
Twiggs also told investigators that Robinson resembled the person in an FBI wanted poster circulated after the shooting. «They do look like Tyler Robinson,» Twiggs said, though he downplayed the identification, noting that the camera quality made it difficult to be certain. He pointed out similarities in shoes, sunglasses, and a hat, but said he had not specifically seen Robinson wearing that hat. Twiggs did not testify in person but may be called to do so if the case goes to trial.
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue, with Judge Tony Graf Jr. presiding. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the detailed evidence presented, including the engraved bullets and the alleged confession. Robinson remains in custody, and the court will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.