An ABC News correspondent’s characterization of text messages revealed in the investigation of Charlie Kirk’s killing drew swift criticism after he described the exchanges as “very touching.” The remarks came as Utah prosecutors announced charges, including aggravated murder, against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said investigators have collected evidence, including text messages and home surveillance video that may show the person who fled the scene. An indictment filed in the case includes text exchanges between Robinson and a roommate identified in court filings as Lance Twiggs, a biological male who identifies as a woman, in which the suspect allegedly referred to the roommate as “my love” while discussing a rifle and asking the roommate to delete messages and avoid law enforcement contact.
ABC correspondent Matt Gutman, reporting on a press conference about the charges, described the messages as “so fulsome, so robust, so apparently allegedly self-incriminating and yet, on the other hand, so touching.” He added the texts created “a very intimate portrait into this relationship” and called the material “heartbreaking on so many levels.”
Gutman’s phrasing was widely shared online and drew criticism from conservative politicians, commentators and commentators on social media. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., reacted on social media with the shorthand, “Wait, what???” New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz called the commentary “Wtaf.” Other critics included Jerry Dunleavy of Just The News and commentary from conservative outlets and writers who argued the tone was inappropriate given the severity of the allegations.
ABC News did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Gutman’s remarks.
Prosecutors say the indictment contains messages that they allege are self-incriminating. In one excerpt included in media reporting of the court filing, the suspect wrote, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet,” and acknowledged possession of a rifle while apologizing for involving the roommate. In another exchange, the roommate asked, “you weren’t the one who did it right????” to which the suspect allegedly replied, “I am, I’m sorry.”
Authorities have described aggravating circumstances in the case, including that the attack occurred in front of children. Investigators continue to process digital evidence and surveillance footage as the case proceeds toward pretrial stages.
Coverage of the case has intersected with broader debates over media tone and treatment of victims, suspects and their associates in high-profile criminal matters. The matter remains the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, and officials have urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigators compile additional evidence and move through the court process.