Roommate says Charlie Kirk murder suspect regretted act in Utah hearing

The roommate of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, testified that Robinson admitted to the shooting and said he wished he hadn't done it. Source: CNN The testimony came during a preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, where prosecutors are seeking to convince a judge there is enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial on aggravated murder charges.

Roommate testimony

Lance Twiggs, Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner, told prosecutors in a videotaped statement that Robinson left a note saying "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it" and later confessed via text message that he targeted Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." Source: AP News Twiggs said Robinson cried and expressed regret when confronted the day after the shooting. Source: DW News He was granted immunity for his statements. Source: The Guardian

Public interest and legal disputes

The hearing has drawn intense public attention, with people camping overnight for scarce courtroom seats. Source: AP News The Kirk family, including widow Erika Kirk, has pushed for full transparency, asking the judge to release all evidence to combat conspiracy theories. Source: The Guardian Defense attorneys have objected to playing the roommate's full statement, arguing it could prejudice the jury. Source: CNN They have also challenged DNA evidence linking Robinson to the weapon, with defense lawyer Michael Burt arguing the FBI analyst's conclusions were inconclusive. Source: AP News The judge has not yet ruled on admissibility of some evidence. Source: BBC

Key evidence presented

• Surveillance video showing a person believed to be Robinson on campus and on a rooftop near where Kirk was shot. Source: The Guardian
• A bolt-action rifle and towel found in nearby woods. Source: AP News
• A screwdriver found on the roof and ballistic evidence that defense says could not definitively match the bullet to the gun. Source: Al Jazeera