Prosecutors released a partial transcript of alleged text messages between accused Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson and his roommate and rumored romantic partner. Almost immediately after the exchange went public, social media noticed the awkward language and seemingly scripted tone of what they said.
Authorities have not officially confirmed Robinson’s roommate’s name, but some reports say his name is Lance Twiggs. Likewise, the exact nature of their relationship is unknown beyond living together. Robinson’s roommate, however, did reportedly turn over incriminating Robinson messages to the police after Kirk was killed, and he has cooperated with the authorities since then.
“No 22 year old writes text messages like this”
On September 16, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray disclosed at least in part what Robinson allegedly said to his roommate after Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Gray also confirmed prosecutors would seek the death penalty in the case.
Investigators revealed that Robinson left a note under his keyboard reading, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” and later sent incriminating texts to his partner. In the messages, Robinson wrote, “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet… I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you,” before admitting, “I am, I’m sorry,” when asked if he was the shooter.
He added, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” while also voicing worries about fingerprints, untraceable weapons, and instructing his partner to delete the exchange, ending with, “you are all I worry about love.”
One message also said, “I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle … [idk] if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me. I worry about prints … only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel … remember how I was engraving bullets? The f—ing messages are mostly a big meme …”
“Sounds fake,” “Zoomers don’t talk like that sorry”
The message exchange lays out a narrative that Robinson was motivated by Kirk’s far-right ideology, especially around trans-rights issues, and was in a relationship with his roommate, who social media has alleged could be transitioning. All combined, it seemed to make the prosecution’s case too convenient, according to some on social media.
Likewise, the details provided in the exchange and the overly formal language like “my love” and “my old man,” where and how the rifle was hidden, seemed out of character for a 22-year-old’s typical language in a text message. Whether the exchange is real or how it might affect the outcome of the case remains to be seen.
The same day the messages were made public, Robinson made his first virtual court appearance, where authorities formally charged him with Kirk’s murder. Judge Tony Graf read the charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, and state prosecutors announced they will seek the death penalty.
Robinson wore a suicide‐prevention vest, remained silent except to confirm his identity, and was ordered held without bail. A protective order was issued barring him from contacting Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his next hearing, a waiver hearing, was set for September 29.
Published: Sep 18, 2025 02:02 am