A judge has ordered redactions to video testimony from Lance Twiggs, the former lover of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The decision came Wednesday during the preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, delaying the playback of the video until Thursday morning.
Prosecutors had intended to show the roughly 37-minute video testimony from Twiggs on Wednesday. However, defense attorneys raised objections, leading Judge Tony Graf Jr. to call for redactions. The defense cited constitutional concerns regarding the televising of a "confession" before trial.
Robinson's attorney, Richard Novak, stated that the defense does not characterize the evidence as a confession. Judge Graf ultimately agreed to redact approximately 16 minutes of the video. The full video is expected to detail text messages, chat logs, and a note that prosecutors consider a confession from Robinson.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, along with her mother-in-law Kathy Kirk, were present in the courtroom. Family attorney Jeff Neiman argued for the unredacted video to be played, stating that playing only a redacted version would create "doubt and distrust in the judicial system" and that the Kirk family believes all admitted evidence should be public.
Robinson appeared visibly uneasy at various points during the hearing, particularly when Twiggs, his former lover at the time of the shooting, was mentioned. Court documents indicate that some alleged text messages between Robinson and Twiggs have already been made public. These messages, according to prosecutors, show Robinson mentioning being "stuck in Orem," where the shooting occurred, and appearing to take responsibility by saying, "the one who did it."
Despite the redactions to the video, Judge Graf indicated he would consider the full content of the communication when making his probable cause decision. The preliminary hearing, which began Monday, is scheduled to conclude by 5 p.m. Friday.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. 
