Utah man admits killing Charlie Kirk; boyfriend could face scrutiny over lack of report
Prosecutors release text exchanges in which Tyler Robinson confessed to the shooting; Lance Twiggs faces no charges as investigators assess possible liability.
UTAH VALLEY CITY, Utah — Tyler Robinson, 22, admitted to fatally shooting Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, prosecutors said Tuesday. Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness and a violent offense committed in the presence of a child. Authorities said the confession came after investigators tracked him down with information from his live-in partner, Lance Twiggs, who has not been charged and is cooperating with investigators.
Prosecutors released a sequence of text messages between Robinson and Twiggs. In the messages, the gunman told Twiggs to "drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard" and noted he had "the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk" and planned to do so. Twiggs found a note from Robinson stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it," and asked whether Robinson had carried out the act. Robinson allegedly replied, "I am, I’m sorry." Prosecutors say Twiggs then asked him to delete the exchange and warned him not to speak to the press.
Twiggs has not been charged, and authorities say he is fully cooperating with investigators. Legal analyst Neama Rahmani said there is generally no duty to report a crime simply because someone knows about it, and charges against Twiggs would depend on whether he aided or concealed the crime or helped the suspect evade arrest.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during his first stop of the American Comeback Tour as he spoke at UVU. He died of a single gunshot wound to the neck. The shooting drew wide attention from supporters and political figures; former President Donald Trump has said he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral, which was scheduled for Sept. 21. Investigators say Robinson left the rifle in the bushes and indicated he intended to retrieve it later, but police swarmed the scene before he could.
The investigation identified Robinson as the alleged shooter, and authorities arrested him more than a day after the shooting. Twiggs’s communications with Robinson helped investigators locate and detain the suspect. Prosecutors have signaled that more details could emerge as the case proceeds.
Authorities say the case remains active as they review additional evidence and determine whether any charges should extend to others connected to the events at UVU. The next steps in the proceedings will hinge on ongoing disclosures from prosecutors and any new information that comes to light during the investigation.
