Tyler Robinson Allegedly Confesses to Charlie Kirk Assassination in Text Messages During Preliminary Hearing

What Happened

Tyler Robinson allegedly admitted to assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in text messages to his roommate after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting, apologized for his actions and claimed he acted because he "had enough of his hatred." Robinson, 23, is charged with assassinating Kirk outside a "Prove Me Wrong" event at Utah Valley University in Orem.

The lengthy text exchange between Tyler Robinson and Lance Twiggs was read aloud in the courtroom by State Bureau of Investigation agent Brian Davis, with Twiggs asking "You weren't the one who did it, right?" and Robinson responding "I am. I'm sorry." Prosecutors allege Robinson left a note for Twiggs that said: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," and in a text said "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

Robinson's Alleged Remorse

Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly said he wished "he hadn't done it" the day after the shooting, according to a recording of an interview with his roommate played in a Utah courtroom Thursday. He started crying a little bit, and said he wishes he hadn't done it, and then kept going around and just doing stuff to keep himself busy or distracted.

Evidence and Legal Status

Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed in a handwritten note, saying "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," and also introduced ballistic evidence detailing testing that compared bullet fragments recovered from Kirk's autopsy to those fired by the rifle prosecutors allege is the murder weapon. While Robinson has not yet entered a plea, prosecutors argue the attack was politically motivated, alleging Robinson believed Kirk was spreading hatred with his controversial views, and Robinson is potentially facing the death penalty for aggravated murder and other felony charges.

Legal Proceedings Ahead

The week's proceedings are set to end Friday, but a decision won't be made then on whether the case heads to trial, as Fourth District Judge Tony Graf granted the defense's request to file a briefing on the hearing after it ends.