Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, allegedly confessed to the act in text messages to his roommate, a state agent testified Thursday during Robinson's preliminary hearing. The messages also reportedly contained an apology and a motive, with Robinson stating he acted because he "had enough of his hatred."
Brian Davis, an agent with the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, read portions of the text exchange into evidence. The messages, purportedly sent by Robinson to his roommate and former lover Lance Twiggs shortly after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting outside a "Prove Me Wrong" event at Utah Valley University in Orem, suggest Robinson admitted his guilt.
One message allegedly read by Davis stated, "I'm still okay, my love, but I'm stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but gotta grab my rifle." The message continued, "To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you."
Twiggs reportedly responded with disbelief, asking, "You weren't the one who did it, right?" Davis testified that Robinson then allegedly replied, "I am. I'm sorry."
When Twiggs mentioned authorities had apprehended someone, Robinson allegedly wrote that they had "grabbed some crazy old dude" and interrogated another individual in similar clothing. He noted that the area had been locked down, preventing him from retrieving his rifle from a drop point.
Regarding his motive, Robinson's alleged text messages stated, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out." He expressed concern about leaving evidence, writing, "If I'm able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence."
Robinson also discussed his attempts to retrieve the weapon, mentioning that he left it in a bush where he changed outfits due to concerns about fingerprints. He speculated about a K-9 unit possibly detecting the firearm and referenced bullets he had engraved before the shooting. One message indicated the rifle was old and had been modified.
Davis testified that Robinson instructed Twiggs to delete the exchange. Later messages indicated Robinson's intention to surrender to authorities, stating, "I'm going to turn myself in willingly." He also advised Twiggs to ask for a lawyer and remain silent if questioned by police, suggesting his lawyer, Doug Terry, would reach out.