Charlie Kirk murder trial: 5 key revelations in Tyler Robinson's texts to partner Lance Twiggs

PROVO, UTAH: Lance Twiggs, Tyler Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner, emerged as one of the prosecution's most important witnesses during the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk shooting case. Through recorded testimony, police interviews, text messages and other court exhibits, prosecutors laid out what they say is a timeline of Robinson's alleged planning, motive and actions after the fatal shooting.

Twiggs' testimony provided some of the hearing's most significant moments, from an alleged confession to claims that Robinson regretted the killing and had been preparing ammunition weeks in advance. Here are the five biggest revelations that emerged.

Prosecutors reveal Tyler Robinson's 'motive' behind shooting Charlie Kirk

Another major moment came when prosecutors displayed messages they allege Robinson sent after the shooting explaining why he targeted Charlie Kirk.

In one message shown in court, Robinson allegedly wrote, "Why did I do it? I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."  

Prosecutors argued the message provides Robinson's own explanation for the alleged attack and supports their contention that the shooting was politically motivated. Defense attorneys have disputed the prosecution's interpretation of the evidence.

Tyler Robinson allegedly confessed and said he 'wished he hadn't done it'

The hearing's most significant revelation came when prosecutors played Twiggs' recorded interview in which he recalled Robinson returning home the day after the shooting and admitting responsibility.

According to Twiggs, Robinson became emotional and told him he regretted what had happened.

"He wishes he hadn't done it," Twiggs recalled Robinson saying, adding that Robinson discussed turning himself in after speaking with his parents.

Prosecutors also introduced text messages and a handwritten note they say further support their claim that Robinson admitted carrying out the shooting. Twiggs testified the note had been left beneath a keyboard for him to find.

Lance Twiggs said Tyler Robinson engraved bullets before Charlie Kirk shooting

Twiggs also described conversations that prosecutors say point to planning before the attack.

According to his testimony, Robinson borrowed or asked to borrow a Dremel engraving tool weeks earlier, saying he wanted to engrave ammunition for what he described as a hunting trip.

Investigators later recovered engraved ammunition, which prosecutors introduced during the hearing as part of their argument that the shooting was premeditated.

Prosecutors also highlighted messages in which Robinson allegedly indicated he had been planning the attack for more than a week before it happened.

Tyler Robinson allegedly instructed his Lance Twiggs not to speak to police or the media

The prosecution also introduced text messages that form the basis of witness tampering allegations. 

Among the messages displayed in court were instructions allegedly sent by Robinson telling Twiggs, "Don't talk to any media."

Twiggs also received messages allegedly telling him to ask for a lawyer if investigators contacted him rather than answering questions.

Prosecutors argued the exchanges demonstrate Robinson attempted to influence a key witness after the shooting. During the hearing, defense attorney Michael Burt rejected that characterization and argued the preliminary hearing should remain focused on determining probable cause.

Lance Twiggs said Tyler Robinson never mentioned Charlie Kirk before attack

Despite living together and being in a romantic relationship, Twiggs told investigators Robinson had never discussed Charlie Kirk before September 10.

According to Twiggs, Robinson left home that morning saying he had a long drive for work and gave no indication he planned to attend Kirk's event.

Twiggs said Robinson only revealed what had happened after returning home, when he appeared distraught and admitted responsibility for the shooting.

Prosecutors argue the testimony helps establish a timeline of Robinson's movements before and after Charlie Kirk was killed. The defense, meanwhile, has maintained that the state's evidence should be scrutinized carefully before the case proceeds to trial. Judge Tony Graf has directed both sides to submit written briefs before hearing oral arguments on probable cause on September 1.