ABC News Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman drew sharp criticism after describing as "very touching" text messages that prosecutors say show the suspect in the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk confessing to his partner.
Prosecutors on Tuesday released a trove of messages that Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray read during a news conference, and Gutman said the texts offered "a very intimate portrait" of the relationship between the accused, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, and his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, also 22. Viewers on the social network X reacted quickly, calling Gutman's remarks inappropriate and demanding accountability.
Gray said investigators recovered messages in which Robinson allegedly told Twiggs to look under a keyboard for a note and wrote, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." According to prosecutors, the texts described how a rifle had been left in the woods, included references to inscriptions on bullets and discussed concerns about whether the weapon could be traced. Gray said Robinson urged Twiggs to delete the messages and later told him he planned to surrender.
Gutman, 47, discussed both the chilling operational detail in the messages and what he described as a contrasting, intimate tone in exchanges in which Robinson called his partner "my love" and expressed concern for him. "We have seen an alleged murder with such specific text messages about the alleged murder weapon, where it was hidden, how it was placed, what was on it," Gutman said on air. "But also, it was very touching in a way that I think many of us didn't expect."
Critics on X said the commentary humanized an accused killer and was insensitive to the victim's family. One user wrote, "He is a despicable reporter," while others called for Gutman to be fired. The Daily Mail reported that it reached out to ABC for comment.
Charlie Kirk, 31, a co-founder of the conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, was shot and killed Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem during what the organization called his "American Comeback Tour." Authorities have said Robinson surrendered less than two days after the shooting after being urged to do so by his father and a youth pastor. He has been held without bail and was charged with capital murder; prosecutors indicated they are seeking the death penalty and have filed a protective order preventing Robinson from approaching Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk.
Robinson appeared by video at a hearing wearing a jail uniform and what officials described as a suicide vest. He confirmed basic identity details but otherwise did not speak, prosecutors said. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told NBC that Twiggs has cooperated with the FBI's investigation, and that Twiggs was unaware and "shocked" when he learned of the alleged killing. Cox said Robinson had not been cooperative.
Gray and investigators also said Robinson expressed a political motive in communications to his partner, allegedly indicating he had acted because he was "tired of his hatred." Authorities have said Robinson held what they described as a leftist ideology and may have been radicalized online; investigators have not released conclusive findings on motive beyond what was presented in court filings and statements.
The release of the messages provided prosecutors’ account of the suspect’s alleged planning and immediate aftermath of the attack, and the public reaction to Gutman’s characterization of parts of that correspondence highlights heightened sensitivities in coverage of high-profile political violence. Media organizations often face scrutiny over how they portray suspects and victims in politically charged cases.
Prosecutors continue to develop their case as pretrial proceedings move forward. Court filings show that Robinson faces capital charges that carry the possibility of execution under Utah law. The exact timeline for further hearings and whether a defense attorney has been officially announced for Robinson remained unclear following Tuesday’s appearance.