The legal team representing the parents and widow of Charlie Kirk has implored a judge to release an unredacted video of a police interview with Lance Twiggs, the transgender ex-roommate and lover of the murder suspect, Tyler Robinson. Prosecutors are expected to present a partially redacted audio recording of Twiggs' interview with authorities regarding Kirk's September 2025 murder.
Twiggs, 23, gave the interview to Utah authorities in April 2026. A judge ordered 15 minutes of the footage to be redacted to prevent prejudice to a future jury. The defense has argued against the full video's release, concerned it could be presented as a confession and jeopardize Robinson's right to a fair trial.
In a courtroom on Wednesday, Kirk family attorney Jeffrey Neiman directly addressed the judge, advocating for the full, unredacted video to be made public. "The Kirk family believes strongly that if it is admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see. No redactions," Neiman stated. He further argued that a lack of transparency could foster doubt and distrust in the judicial system.
Erika Kirk also submitted a legal filing emphasizing the importance of transparency in the case. Judge Tony Graf, who reviewed the entire interrogation footage, stated he would consider the complete video in determining whether to proceed with charges against Robinson, though parts of it will be withheld from the public hearing.
Twiggs gained public attention after prosecutors alleged that Robinson left him a handwritten confession and sent him text messages detailing plans to dispose of the murder weapon following Kirk's assassination. Authorities reported Twiggs cooperated with investigators, providing DNA and text messages from Robinson. These messages allegedly indicated Robinson believed Kirk "spread too much hate."
Prosecutors contend that Robinson assassinated Kirk due to the conservative political views espoused by the Turning Point USA founder. The defense had initially sought to block Twiggs' recorded statements, preferring he testify in person for cross-examination. However, the judge ruled that the recorded statements could be submitted as evidence.
Twiggs, who has not been charged in connection with the murder, was living with Robinson in St. George, Utah, at the time of the assassination. He reportedly went into hiding for five months after the event before being located in Texas in February. According to accounts from individuals who knew him, Twiggs was estranged from his strict Mormon family at age 18 over religious and personal disagreements but appeared to have reconciled with them later.
Court filings reveal that Robinson allegedly instructed Twiggs via text to find a handwritten confession under his computer keyboard. The note reportedly read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." Robinson allegedly conveyed his belief that Kirk "spread too much hate" and discussed his efforts to flee the scene and conceal evidence. Texts also indicated Robinson's awareness of political messages engraved on shell casings found with the rifle, referencing a quote that might cause him distress if seen on Fox News.
Robinson also allegedly warned Twiggs in their communications, "Don't talk to the media please... if any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent." Authorities stated Twiggs shared these messages with investigators and provided a DNA sample, which was found on a towel wrapped around the alleged murder weapon.