Montel Williams said on CNN's NewsNight Tuesday that the suspected killer in Charlie Kirk's killing appears motivated by love for his transgender partner, not politics.
The remarks followed the release of text messages authorities say show a romantic relationship between Tyler Robinson and his roommate, who is transitioning, and the emotional turmoil surrounding the case. In the indictment, Robinson is described as referring to his partner as my love and discussing plans and secrecy.
The case is not framed as a political issue, Williams argued, but rather as a personal circumstance in which the suspect acted to defend a loved one rather than advance an ideology.
The indictment notes that texts between Robinson and his roommate describe the roommate as my love and indicate the couple's relationship was central to the suspect's mindset. One message said the suspect was still ok my love, but stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet, and another referenced plans to return home while mentioning a rifle.
ABC News reporter Matt Gutman noted the emotional tone of the texts on Tuesday, calling them very touching in a way that many did not expect, and later expressed regret for sharing parts of the exchanges, saying he did a poor job of contrasting the crime with the softer content of the messages.
Authorities have also reviewed home surveillance video that may show the suspect fleeing the scene as Kirk discussed transgender issues on campus.
The killing occurred last week at Utah Valley University, and investigators have said the motive remains under review as prosecutors pursue the case. The public discussion continues to focus on how personal relationships and politics intersect in US public life.
