CNN panelist Montel Williams calls Tyler Robinson a ‘love-torn child’ driven by emotion and not politics

WASHINGTON, DC: Television personality Montel Williams has stirred controversy after describing Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of shooting dead conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as a “love-torn child” driven by emotion rather than political motives.

Williams made the remarks during a panel discussion with host Abby Phillip on CNN’s 'NewsNight', where he discussed the unfolding investigation into Robinson’s alleged shooting of Kirk during a campus event on September 10 at Utah Valley University.

Montel Williams claims Tyler Robinson acted over relationship, not politics

Montel Williams suggested that Robinson’s alleged actions were rooted in his personal relationship with his gender-transitioning live-in boyfriend, rather than ideology.

“There are people who are trying to pigeonhole this as a leftist thing and a right thing, and what we’re really talking about - hear me, because I’m going to throw you when I say this we’re talking about a love-torn child, a kid,” Williams said, despite Robinson being 22 years old.

“This is probably his first real relationship. And somebody was disparaging the person that he loved.”

Montel Williams says Tyler Robinson waited to hear word ‘transgender’ before shooting

Williams claimed Robinson appeared to be monitoring Kirk’s event in real time and waited for the first mention of the word “transgender” before opening fire.

“He sat on that building for 30 minutes before he took the shot,” Williams said. “Why do you wait until the first word ‘trans’ came up? Then he took the shot. I think he could hear it.”

Montel Williams says Tyler Robinson was not politically driven

Williams further argued that the killing was emotionally, not politically, motivated.

“I don’t believe he was motivated politically. I think this was motivated emotionally,” he said. “I think this was an emotionally stunted person who literally, when I say it this way, just hear me, tried to defend his significant other, not trying to defend some ideology.”

Scott Jennings clashes with Montel Williams on CNN panel

CNN’s Scott Jennings clashed with Williams over his remarks on the show, rejecting Williams’ take saying,

He said, “Guys, guys… the evidence here is overwhelming."

He said, "'Charlie Kirk, I can’t stand his hate anymore. I’m going to take him out.’ The testimony from him (Robinson), and the statements of his family, he had become more left-wing."

"He etched the statements that are made by the Left about Republicans, and conservatives, and Charlie Kirk fascist on the bullet casings,” Jennings said.

Williams interjected, “He made a joke about it in his last text.”

Jennings shot back, “Well, it doesn’t sound like a joke to me because someone’s dead and about to be buried. So it doesn’t sound like joke to me!”

Williams’ comments came just hours after ABC News reporter Matt Gutman faced backlash for calling texts between Robinson and his boyfriend “very touching”, after reading out the text message in which Robinson addressed his partner as “my love.”

Gutman later issued an apology on X.

Montel Williams blasted online for his remarks 

An X user said, "CNN and Montel Williams attempt to spin that narrative that Tyler Robinson was on a love crusade for his transgender lover. "This wasn't political, it was emotional." Scott Jennings can't take it, and unleashes on them with facts."

Another person said, "The gaslighting over at CNN has hit an all time low. They've grown so desperate that they're now bringing in the likes of Montel Williams to tell us all that Charlie Kirks killer was a 'love-torn child.' You can't make this up, I dare you to even try."

While one netizen fumed, "@Montel_Williams this was motivated by hate -seriously .@CNN, he was driven by hate and to say this wasn’t politically motivated is disingenuous."

While another social media user said that remarks were unbelievable. "@Montel_Williams is currently on @CNN offering justification for the murder of Charlie Kirk. Unbelievable."

Some supported Scott Jennings saying he was the sole voice of reason while snubbing Williams. "Here 90's Leftist Has Been Montel Williams Tries To Push On Propaganda Network @CNN. That Assasin Tyler Robinson WAS NOT Motivated To Murder Charlie By His Left-Wing Indoctrination. Realist & Sole Voice Of Reason @ScottJenningsKY. On A Pure Propaganda Network CNN!"

One critic of Montel wrote on X, "The late 80s called, they don’t even want their mediocre talk show host back." 

A netizen said, "I don’t believe him. You know why? Because romanticizing the motivation behind Charlie’s assassination happened twice yesterday, first with @mattgutmanABC then with @Montel_Williams on @CNN That’s not a coincidence, that’s an op talking point." 

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