Chilling text messages presented by prosecutors on Thursday revealed that Tyler Robinson, 23, boasted to his lover about the firearm used in the alleged murder of Charlie Kirk. Robinson texted Lance Twiggs that the rifle, belonging to his grandfather, performed “just fine” following the September 10, 2025, shooting.

According to the texts, Robinson expressed concern about whether police could trace the gun's serial number back to him. "judging from today, I’d say grandpas gun does just fine," he wrote.

During Robinson's preliminary hearing, prosecutors also revealed exchanges where he and Twiggs allegedly discussed discarding the weapon. Robinson reportedly returned to the crime scene and waited in his car to retrieve the rifle.

"I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn’t have time to bring it," Robinson texted Twiggs on Sept. 10. He later expressed worry about not finding the rifle, stating, "Getting worried, hard to know for sure but I’m not finding my rifle, could be in the wrong spot."

Twiggs replied, "Do you think they found it." Robinson had also inquired about whether a road closure near the Utah Valley University campus would be lifted, allowing him to check for the weapon.

Forensic experts testified Tuesday that DNA believed to match Robinson was recovered from a towel allegedly used to hide the rifle. Additional DNA matching Robinson was found on a screwdriver discovered near the rooftop where Kirk was shot while speaking to a crowd.

Two experts, one from the state of Utah and another from the FBI, confirmed the lab reports during the hearing to determine if Robinson will face trial.

Prosecutors presented a further text exchange where Robinson appeared to panic over a message he sent about a confession note. "Look under my keyboard," he wrote, prompting Twiggs to ask, "You’re joking, right?" Robinson responded in all caps, "F—K I TRIED TO DELETE THAT."

Evidence shown in court on Thursday included a Discord message where prosecutors claim Robinson confessed to the killing. He allegedly wrote, "it was me. Look at the photos from the surveillance footage. It was me."

Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, 31, from a rooftop perch approximately 415 feet away as Kirk addressed an audience of over 3,000 people. Sergeant Jennifer Faumuina testified Thursday about the location of the fatal shot.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and contend that the text messages indicate Robinson targeted Kirk due to his conservative political views, including anti-LGBTQ statements. The defense has sought to limit the introduction of evidence suggesting a political motive, which could support a death penalty argument.

Robinson, who was studying to become an electrician, faces seven charges, including aggravated murder. He has not yet entered a plea. The text messages also indicate that Robinson had been planning the incident for over a week. When Twiggs asked if he was responsible, Robinson responded, "I am, I’m so sorry."

He further stated, "I had enough of his hatred. some (sic) hate can’t be negotiated out."