PROVO, Utah — The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk reportedly told his roommate, “he wishes he hadn’t done it,” the day after Kirk was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University. This tearful admission was revealed in a recording played in court on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson.
Lance Twiggs, who was both Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner, recounted the interaction with law enforcement. He stated the conversation took place in their southern Utah apartment, located more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) from where Kirk was shot. Later that same day, and approximately an hour before turning himself in, Robinson posted, “it was me at UVU yesterday,” in a chat room on the Discord instant messaging platform, according to investigators and messages presented by prosecutors.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder but has not yet entered a plea. He surrendered to authorities a day after the September 10 shooting of Kirk, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump who was credited with mobilizing young voters for the Republican in the 2024 election. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case.
The weeklong preliminary hearing, which entered its second day on Thursday, aims for prosecutors to demonstrate sufficient evidence against Robinson to proceed to a full trial. State District Judge Tony Graf is presiding over the proceedings and will weigh whether there is enough evidence, with a ruling not expected until after both sides present their final arguments on September 1.
During Thursday’s hearing at the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo, prosecutors displayed several key pieces of evidence. This included a handwritten note from Robinson to Twiggs stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” and continuing, “I wish we could have lived in a world where this did not feel necessary.” Another text from Robinson to Twiggs allegedly indicated he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.” Ammunition found in the gun used to kill Kirk reportedly had engravings such as “Hey Facist! CATCH!” and “If you Read This, You Are GAY.” Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk when text messages about these engraved bullets were shown. State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis also recounted messages where Robinson expressed concern about leaving fingerprints on a rifle belonging to his grandfather, which authorities believe was the murder weapon.
Defense attorneys for Robinson unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the public release of Twiggs’ statements and the chat room messages, arguing that prosecutors would characterize them as a confession, thereby undermining Robinson’s right to a fair trial. After a prolonged debate, which included an attorney for Kirk’s family advocating for public release, Judge Graf allowed a redacted version of Twiggs’ video interview to be played. The defense has also sought, so far unsuccessfully, to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option. Furthermore, defense attorney Michael Burt challenged the reliability of ballistics tests on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body, which yielded inconclusive results regarding its link to the suspected murder weapon. Earlier in the week, the defense had questioned the reliability of DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene, though experts affirm the scientific soundness of DNA testing.
Twiggs, who was granted immunity for his statements, spoke to authorities on September 12, two days after Kirk’s death, and again on April 20. He testified that Robinson sometimes discussed politics, including Trump, but Twiggs had never heard him mention Kirk before the shooting. He also noted that Robinson did not frequently discuss LGBTQ rights.
The courtroom on Thursday saw a somber atmosphere. Robinson’s family sat behind him, with his mother crying as the Discord messages were read aloud and rubbing the shoulder of one of Robinson’s bowed-head brothers. A few rows back sat Kirk’s parents, Kathryn and Robert Kirk, and his widow, Erika. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, was also in attendance. Conservative media personality Brandon Tatum, a close friend of Kirk, expressed confidence in the prosecution’s case after hearing Twiggs’ testimony but had mixed feelings about the judge’s decision to delay a ruling. Another conservative activist and friend of Kirk, Jack Posobiec, shared his emotional reaction to seeing photos of the bullet fragments, emphasizing the need to push through pain for justice.
Investigators allege that Robinson positioned himself on a rooftop near where Kirk was speaking to a crowd of several thousand people and shot him once in the neck. Kirk, 31, was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital.
Public interest in the hearing has been high, with people lining up early—sometimes even sleeping overnight—to secure one of the 14 coveted, first-come, first-served seats reserved for the public in the courtroom. A law enforcement officer was also observed watching from the roof of the courthouse.
People have been lining up early — sometimes sleeping there overnight — in hopes of getting a wristband that will allow them access to the courtroom. The 14 coveted seats reserved for the public are first come, first served. (AP video: Ty ONeil)
“Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate,” said Samantha Karner with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a federal law enforcement agency.
