Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, told his former lover and roommate that he "wishes he hadn't done it," according to a video interview played in court.
Lance Twiggs, who is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged, testified that Robinson made the statement in person after Twiggs asked him if claims he made about the shooting were true. "started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it," Twiggs told investigators in the recorded interview.
This statement followed alleged text messages from Robinson to Twiggs, displayed in court, in which Robinson appeared to confess to the shooting. In one exchange, Twiggs asked Robinson if he was joking about carrying out the attack. Robinson allegedly replied, "I am," and "I’m sorry."
The video and text messages were presented on the fourth day of Robinson's preliminary hearing, a proceeding to determine if the case has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Prosecutors had sought to play the video earlier, but the defense requested redactions, which were subsequently addressed by the judge.
Twiggs, who identified as "Luna" to some associates, also told investigators that Robinson began engraving bullets approximately a month before Kirk's death. According to Twiggs, Robinson asked for a Dremel tool to create messages on bullets, citing a planned hunting trip. Cartridges and a spent casing recovered from the suspected murder weapon, as well as another casing found in Robinson and Twiggs' shared home, reportedly bore similar engraved messages.
Robinson appeared visibly uncomfortable in court when the Dremel tool was discussed, fidgeting in his chair. His family members in the gallery also reacted to this testimony.
Prosecutors displayed a handwritten note, allegedly found by Twiggs under his keyboard after Robinson instructed him to look there. The note read in part, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it." The judge disallowed the note from being photographed in court.
During the hearing, Twiggs' interview also revealed that Robinson allegedly told him he had a "long drive to work" on the morning of Sept. 10, 2025, the day Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback Tour." Twiggs stated Robinson left early and did not return until after midnight on Sept. 11.
When shown an FBI wanted poster of a person of interest on campus, Twiggs stated that the individual resembled Robinson, noting similarities in shoes, sunglasses, and clothing, though he could not be "100% certain" due to image quality. Twiggs did not testify in person but may be called if the case proceeds to trial.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. has delayed a decision on whether to send the case to trial. He will consider written arguments from both the prosecution and defense before hearing oral arguments on Sept. 1. Robinson, 23, has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during an event in Orem, Utah. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to conclude nearly a year after the assassination.