ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman drew sharp criticism after describing text messages that Utah prosecutors say document a confessed assassin’s exchanges with his transgender partner as “very touching.” The messages, read aloud at a Utah County press conference, are central to prosecutors’ account of the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and have become a focal point of public debate over how media outlets frame evidence and suspects.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray on Tuesday read excerpts of messages that investigators say were sent by 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson to his roommate and romantic partner, 22-year-old Lance Twiggs. According to Gray, the texts included an apparent admission that Robinson had killed Kirk, directions to look under a keyboard for a note, and descriptions of where a rifle had been hidden. The attorney said some bullets were inscribed and that Robinson urged Twiggs to delete the messages and to avoid media contact and investigators.
![Photo from the released evidence and reporting] (https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/16/23/102198185-0-image-m-15_1758062077269.jpg "")
On ABC News, Gutman summarized the content, saying investigators had produced “very specific text messages about the alleged murder weapon, where it was hidden, how it was placed, what was on it,” and added: “But also, it was very touching in a way that I think many of us didn’t expect.” He described passages in which the suspect called his partner “my love” and expressed a desire to protect him while simultaneously, prosecutors say, planning and carrying out the attack that killed Kirk.
Viewers reacted swiftly on social media, with many criticizing Gutman’s characterization of the texts. Posts on X and other platforms called for his firing, accused the network of humanizing the suspect and contrasted the coverage of the messages with the grief of Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. The Daily Mail reported that it had contacted ABC for comment; the network did not immediately respond to requests reported by media outlets.
Charlie Kirk, 31, a co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem as part of a planned tour. Authorities have described the slaying as a political assassination. Less than two days after the shooting, law enforcement said Robinson turned himself in after being urged to do so by his father and a youth pastor. He has been held without bail.
Robinson appeared via Zoom at a subsequent hearing wearing what was described by deputies as a suicide vest. He spoke only to confirm personal details. Prosecutors have filed a request to seek the death penalty and have obtained a protective order preventing Robinson from contacting Kirk’s widow.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox told NBC that Twiggs had cooperated with the FBI and local investigators and that he appeared shocked when he learned of the killing. Officials said Robinson has not been cooperative. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials have said they are investigating whether Robinson was radicalized online and have pointed to statements they describe as reflecting a left-leaning ideology.
The text messages released by prosecutors have been cited by investigators as providing both logistical detail about the alleged attack — including references to a rifle left in the woods and notes placed under a keyboard — and insight into the relationship between the suspect and his roommate. Gray read the messages in detail at the news conference as part of the state’s account of the events leading up to and following the shooting.
Robinson faces capital murder charges related to Kirk’s death; authorities say aggravating circumstances include the presence of children at the event. Court filings and hearing records show prosecutors are pursuing the maximum penalty allowed under Utah law. It was not immediately clear whether Robinson has retained an attorney.
The release of the messages and the media commentary that followed have prompted broader discussion about how outlets handle sensitive evidence in violent crimes, how they portray suspects who have intimate relationships with victims or witnesses, and the balance between reporting the facts of a case and the potential perception of sympathizing with those accused of serious crimes.