Edited surveillance footage allegedly showing murder suspect Tyler Robinson fleeing is set to be played in court, after a judge previously ruled it could not be shown due to alterations. Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf, overseeing Robinson's pre-trial hearings, had expressed concern that the video, which included added zooms and circled items, could be problematic if presented to a jury in its modified state.
Prosecutors argued the edits were solely to enhance viewing clarity and maintained the footage's accuracy. On Thursday, Judge Graf reversed his earlier decision, allowing the edited version to be presented. Unedited versions of the surveillance video have been shown previously, but the family's attorney noted they were difficult to view due to their wide-angle format.
The judge's decision to permit the edited footage followed the presentation of evidence suggesting Robinson confessed multiple times to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Lance Twiggs, Robinson's former roommate, testified that Robinson admitted he "wished he hadn't done it." Twiggs also presented a handwritten note, allegedly left by Robinson on the day of the assassination, which read: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it."
Prosecutors also presented text messages they claim Robinson sent to Twiggs on the day of the shooting. In these texts, Robinson allegedly confirmed the act, apologized, and discussed attempts to hide the murder weapon. He reportedly wrote about planning to retrieve his rifle from a "drop point" near the scene, stating, "If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence."
Further alleged confessions were presented, including statements to Robinson's parents and a post on the Discord gaming platform. In the Discord message, Robinson purportedly wrote, "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. It was me at UVU yesterday. I'm sorry for all of this. I'm surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments."
Authorities stated that Twiggs cooperated with investigators and provided DNA, which was found on a towel wrapped around the recovered murder weapon, along with Robinson's DNA. Twiggs stated he met Robinson in 2023, and they began dating shortly thereafter. He recalled Robinson leaving early on the day Kirk was assassinated, claiming a long work shift, and did not hear from him until late that night when the alleged confession note was found.
Twiggs confirmed finding the note, which referred to him by his chosen name, "Luna." The note expressed regret and alluded to the necessity of the act. Twiggs stated Robinson returned the following morning, appearing distressed, and eventually admitted to the assassination, wishing he had not done it.
During his police interview, Twiggs indicated he had little interest in politics and had not previously discussed Charlie Kirk with Robinson. He mentioned Robinson would sometimes "rant about Donald Trump and Republicans" and that their discussions about LGBTQ+ rights were limited to legislation.
Investigators also found bullet casings near the scene with political engravings, including one referencing a transgender furry meme and another stating, "If you are reading this, you are gay." Another read, "Hey Fascist! Catch!" Twiggs stated Robinson had discussed a hunting trip for months and, about a month prior to the shooting, began talking about engraving bullets for the expedition.
Prosecutors contend Robinson assassinated Kirk due to the influencer's conservative political views. Twiggs was granted limited immunity for his statements. Robinson, who faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted, has not yet entered a plea.