PROVO, Utah — A newly released recording played during the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, revealed that Robinson expressed deep regret to his transgender roommate and romantic partner shortly after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting.
The video statement from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate and lover at the time, was played in a Utah courtroom Thursday as prosecutors presented evidence in the case. Twiggs, who was granted limited use immunity for cooperating with investigators, described Robinson as acting “erratically” in the hours and days after the killing.
In the recording, Twiggs recounted confronting Robinson in person the day after the shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was fatally shot while addressing a crowd.
“I just asked him in person if what he said was true the night before, and he said it was,” Twiggs said in the video. “He started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn’t done it.”
Twiggs continued: “And then eventually [Robinson] said that he would talk to his parents or turn himself over.”
Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed to Twiggs that he shot and killed Kirk, hid the gun used in the attack, discarded his clothing, and warned Twiggs not to speak to police. A note left for Twiggs reportedly read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
The recording marks a significant development in the ongoing preliminary hearing, which is determining whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, a capital offense, and prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice closely aligned with President Donald Trump, was gunned down on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. The brazen daytime shooting stunned the nation and the conservative movement.
Surveillance video and other evidence presented earlier in the hearing have placed Robinson at the scene, including footage allegedly showing him on a rooftop overlooking the event. DNA evidence has also linked Robinson to items recovered near the shooting location, according to court testimony.
Twiggs’ statement provides prosecutors with what they describe as a direct account of Robinson’s alleged confession and post-crime behavior. The defense has fought to limit the public release and use of the recording, but a judge has allowed it to be played with some redactions.
The preliminary hearing, now in its fourth day before Judge Tony Graf in Provo’s 4th District Court, is expected to continue with additional evidence, including forensic testimony and more video from the day of the shooting.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case. If bound over for trial, the case could move forward with the full weight of the prosecution’s evidence, including the emotional and incriminating details captured in Twiggs’ recorded account.
