PROVO, Utah – In a stunning development, Tyler Robinson allegedly confessed in text messages to his roommate about the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Following the September 10, 2025, shooting, Robinson apologized for his actions, citing that he could no longer tolerate Kirk’s perceived hatred and felt compelled to act, according to testimony presented Thursday at his preliminary hearing.
Agent Brian Davis of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation provided testimony in court by reading excerpts from the text messages. The prosecution is building their case against the 23-year-old Robinson, who stands accused of murdering Kirk outside a “Prove Me Wrong” event held at Utah Valley University in Orem.
In court, Davis relayed how Robinson had sent an urgent message to his roommate, Lance Twiggs, instructing, “Stop what you’re doing. Look under the keyboard,” shortly following the incident.
The courtroom heard Davis read another purported message from Robinson that further added context to the shocking event.
The infamous case involving Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and Lance Twiggs continues to unfold. (Image credits: Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool and Lance Twiggs/TikTok)
“I’m still okay, my love, but I’m stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but gotta grab my rifle,” the message read. “Still, to be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Twiggs allegedly replied, “You weren’t the one who did it, right?”
“I am. I’m sorry.”
After Twiggs wrote, “I thought they caught the person,” Davis read Robinson’s alleged response.
“No, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing. I had planned to grab my rifle from the drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down,” Davis read. “It’s quiet, almost enough to get out, but there’s one vehicle lingering.”
A screenshot of text messages displayed during Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing shows messages prosecutors allege discuss Robinson’s motive and efforts to recover the rifle after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of Charlie Kirk. (Credit: Brooke Curto / Fox News)
When Twiggs asked why Robinson carried out the shooting, Davis testified Robinson replied: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I’m able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again. Hopefully they have moved on.”
Robinson added, “I haven’t seen anything in the news about them finding it. We’ll update you by midnight.”
After Twiggs asked how long he had been planning the shooting, Davis read Robinson’s response: “A bit over a week. I believe I can get close to it, but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don’t want to chance it.”
A split image showing Tyler Robinson talking to his lawyers in court and Charlie Kirk at the UVU rally where he was killed. (Rick Egan/Pool via Reuters, Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
Davis also read messages in which Robinson allegedly described trying to recover the rifle.
“While they were parked there, if they had found it, I imagine there would be more commotion. Again, I’m sorry for roping you into all of this. You shouldn’t have to worry about this.”
When Twiggs asked why Robinson left the rifle behind, Davis read his alleged response.
“I worry about prints. I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits, didn’t have the ability or time to bring it with.”
A screenshot of text messages displayed during Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing shows messages prosecutors allege discuss Robinson’s motive and efforts to recover the rifle after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of Charlie Kirk. (Credit: Brooke Curto / Fox News)
According to Davis, Robinson later wrote, “I’ll bet that K-9 sniffed it out. We replace it? Unlikely. I don’t fully know what the gun was because it was old as s— and Gramps did some modifying.”
He also referenced bullets he had engraved before the shooting.
“Remember how I was engraving bullets? The f—— messages are mostly a big meme. If I see notices… on Fox News, I might have a stroke.”
A screenshot of text messages displayed during Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing shows messages prosecutors allege discuss Robinson’s motive and efforts to recover the rifle after the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of Charlie Kirk. (Credit: Brooke Curto / Fox News)
The exchange concluded with Robinson allegedly writing, “No, my dad wanted to use a high caliber for the rifle hunt. Judging from today, I say Gramps’ gun does just fine.”
Davis testified that Robinson then instructed Twiggs: “Delete this exchange.”
Davis also testified Robinson later texted, “I’m going to turn myself in willingly. One of my neighbors here is a deputy for the sheriff. We hope to keep things sort of quiet here.”
The final message Davis read from the exchange stated: “If any police ask you questions, ask for a lawyer and stay silent. My lawyer should be Doug Terry. I’ll see if he can reach out to you and make sure the police follow.”