A court hearing on Thursday featured a video interview with Lance Twiggs, who previously dated and lived with Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk.
In the video, Twiggs recounted, “I directly asked him if what he said the night before was true, and he responded affirmatively. He teared up a bit and expressed regret over his actions,” according to the footage shown during the fourth day of Robinson’s preliminary hearing.
Prosecutors also revealed text messages indicating that the night before Kirk’s murder, Robinson sent a message to his then-girlfriend in which he reportedly claimed responsibility for the shooting incident at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
According to Twiggs, “He mentioned he was going hunting with his family and wanted to engrave something on a bullet. He asked if I had a Dremel or something like that,” while speaking to prosecutor Ryan McBride in a recorded statement.
Twiggs noted that he is sometimes referred to as “Luna” by certain acquaintances, including Robinson, and shared that Robinson had inquired about the Dremel tool sometime within a month prior to Kirk’s murder.
After the shooting of Turning Point USA’s founder, Twiggs reported receiving a text from Robinson asking him to check beneath his keyboard.
Prosecutors mentioned that a handwritten note found there included language such as, “I had an opportunity to take Charlie Kirk out and I’m going to take it.”
Twiggs took a photo of the note, which was displayed in court.
After reading the note, Twiggs texted Robinson, questioning whether it was a joke.
Robinson reportedly replied, “I’m still okay, but I’m stuck in Orem for a while. It won’t be long until I can go home, but I still have to pick up my rifle. Honestly, I wanted to keep this a secret until I die of old age. Sorry for dragging you into this.”
In response, Twiggs sent a message asking, “You weren’t the one who did it, right?” Robinson replied: “Yes,” followed by, “I’m sorry.”
Twiggs, who had a brief stint under FBI protection and has since left Utah, informed investigators that he met with Robinson the day after Kirk’s murder.
He described Robinson as “walking around a lot,” and when he confronted him about the previous night’s claims, Robinson admitted them: “He teared up and said he wished he hadn’t done that.”
“The conversation went in circles,” Twiggs continued, stating that eventually, Robinson urged him to “talk to your parents or turn yourself in.”
Twiggs is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has not been charged with any crime. He mentioned that Robinson resembles a man featured in an FBI wanted poster released after Kirk’s assassination.
While admitting a resemblance, Twiggs was cautious: “I’m not 100% sure just from the camera quality, but they do look alike based on their shoes and sunglasses.”
He added, “I don’t think I specifically saw him in that hat, but he often wore a hat and jeans,” referring to the 23-year-old suspect.
During this week’s preliminary hearing, prosecutors are presenting evidence to enable Judge Tony Graf to assess whether there’s enough probable cause to move forward with the case.
Judge Graf has indicated he won’t issue a ruling before the week concludes, having scheduled another hearing for September 1 to hear arguments from both sides. At that point, a ruling will be made.
As reported, Robinson has not yet entered a plea and could potentially face the death penalty if found guilty.
