ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman apologized Thursday after drawing criticism for describing text messages between Charlie Kirk’s accused killer and the accused man’s transgender romantic partner as “very touching.” Gutman said his comments were intended to contrast the brutality of the assassination with the personal messages read at a Utah County press conference, and he condemned the killing.
Gutman made the comments Wednesday while reporting on the announcement of murder charges against Tyler Robinson, who has been accused in the killing of 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. During the press conference, prosecutors read text exchanges between Robinson and a roommate who law enforcement says was in the process of transitioning. Some messages, included in the indictment, refer to the roommate as “my love.” One passage quoted in charging documents reads, "I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem [sic] for a little while longer yet," and includes a line in which the suspect wrote, "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," according to the indictment.
On air, Gutman described the texts as "very touching in a way that many of us didn't expect," and said they provided "a very intimate portrait" of the relationship between the suspect and the roommate. He characterized the coverage as presenting a "heartbreaking duality," referring to both Kirk’s death and the apparent romantic connection revealed in the messages. Gutman later reiterated similar sentiments on ABC News’ livestream.
The remarks provoked a wave of backlash on social media, prompting Gutman to post an apology on Instagram Thursday. In the post he said he had attempted to highlight the contrast between what he called the "cold-blooded assassination" of someone who "dedicated his life to public dialogue" and the personal texts read at the press conference. "I deeply regret that my words did not make that clear," Gutman wrote, adding that there should be "zero doubt: I unequivocally condemn this horrific crime and the pain it caused Charlie Kirk's family, those who were forced to witness it at UVU, and the millions of people he inspired."
Robinson has appeared virtually in Utah court and faces murder charges in the killing, which authorities have said occurred at an event connected to Kirk. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials have relied on the text exchanges, surveillance footage and other evidence in bringing charges, and a press conference announcing the filing included public readings of portions of the indictment. Robinson’s virtual appearance before a Utah court on Sept. 16, 2025, was captured on court video.
The shooting and its aftermath have drawn national attention and intense media scrutiny, including careful examination of evidence disclosed by prosecutors. Journalists covering the case have faced heightened scrutiny for word choices and framing as the public and political figures react. Media organizations have expressed varying degrees of caution in describing details of the case as investigators continue to gather and present evidence in court filings and at public briefings.
ABC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The initial reporting and the apology drew coverage across news outlets and social platforms, reflecting both the high-profile nature of the victim and the sensitive questions that arise when personal communications are presented in criminal proceedings.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the killing and to prepare their case for prosecution. Court proceedings and public statements by law enforcement are expected to provide further detail in the coming weeks as the legal process moves forward.