Court records released Tuesday show that the man charged in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk sent a series of text messages to his transgender partner in which he described his motive, plans to retrieve a rifle and instructions to erase their exchange.
The texts, introduced by prosecutors and summarized in filings, were sent by 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson to Lance Twiggs in what prosecutors say was the pair’s final exchange after Robinson killed Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University last week. In one message, Robinson wrote that he had “the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” When Twiggs reacted in disbelief, Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry,” and later explained, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
The exchanges include details prosecutors say describe Robinson’s efforts to retrieve a firearm from a concealed location after the shooting and his concern about leaving physical evidence. Robinson told Twiggs he had planned to “grab my rifle from my drop point” but that parts of the neighborhood had been locked down, and that he had left a rifle “wrapped in a towel” and hidden in a bush after changing clothes. He told Twiggs he had been planning the action “a bit over a week I believe.”
Robinson also urged Twiggs not to speak to the media, to refuse to answer police questions and to request an attorney if contacted by law enforcement. The messages say Robinson planned to turn himself in and expressed concern about calls from his father, referencing a unique family rifle.
The text exchanges were disclosed the same day Robinson made his first court appearance via video from the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork. During that proceeding, prosecutors filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty, the Utah County attorney’s office confirmed to the court. Robinson, who appeared on the video feed from jail, looked downward and showed what observers described as a brief emotional reaction when the filing was announced.
Courtroom video of Robinson’s response circulated widely on social media after the appearance. Prosecutors informed the judge the death-penalty notice was filed by Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, and the document was entered into the court record minutes before the hearing concluded.
The texts also reference the arrest of a 71-year-old bystander, George Zinn, who was held on obstruction of justice charges in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, prompting Twiggs to ask whether authorities had already apprehended the shooter. Robinson dismissed Zinn in the exchange as “some crazy old dude.”
Kirk was shot while participating in a campus debate at Utah Valley University, an event that prompted an immediate law-enforcement response and a search of the area. Robinson was taken into custody and has been charged in connection with the killing. Officials have not publicly disputed the authenticity of the texts summarized in court filings.
As the criminal case proceeds, prosecutors’ decision to seek capital punishment marks a significant development that will shape pretrial proceedings and potential trial strategy. Defense counsel did not immediately respond to requests for comment at the time of the hearing. The court will address arraignment and other procedural matters in upcoming scheduled appearances as the case moves through the Utah judicial system.