Surveillance video allegedly showing Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson fleeing the scene is expected to be played in court after a judge reversed an earlier decision blocking the footage over concerns about editing.
Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf, who is overseeing Robinson’s pre-trial probable cause hearings, previously ruled that prosecutors could not present the footage because they had added zoom effects and highlighted certain areas of interest.
Graf said he was concerned the edited version could create issues if it were later shown to a jury, warning that manipulated footage could become problematic during a trial.
However, prosecutors argued that the changes were only made to improve visibility and did not alter the substance of the recording.
After reviewing the matter, Graf ruled Thursday that the edited footage could be shown in court.
Prosecutors Present Alleged Confession Evidence Against Robinson
The decision came shortly after prosecutors presented what they described as major evidence, including claims that Robinson repeatedly admitted to killing Kirk.
During Thursday’s hearing, jurors and officials were shown police interview footage featuring Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, who described an alleged confession made after the shooting.
Twiggs told investigators that Robinson admitted his involvement and said he “wished he hadn’t done it.”
Prosecutors also presented a handwritten note they say Robinson left for Twiggs on the day Kirk was killed.
According to court documents, the note allegedly stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Alleged Text Messages Detail Plans After Shooting
Alongside Twiggs’ testimony, prosecutors displayed text messages they claim were exchanged between Robinson and Twiggs following Kirk’s assassination.
In the messages, Twiggs allegedly questioned whether Robinson was responsible, writing: “You’re joking right?… You weren’t the one who did it right?”
Prosecutors said Robinson responded with an admission, allegedly writing: “I am, I’m sorry.”
The messages also allegedly showed Robinson discussing efforts to retrieve the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting and avoid leaving evidence behind.
According to prosecutors, Robinson wrote that if he could collect the weapon without being seen, “I will have left no evidence.”
He allegedly later said he would attempt to retrieve the rifle and provide an update by midnight, while also claiming the shooting had been planned for more than a week.
Former Roommate Describes Alleged Confession Note
Twiggs told police that he and Robinson first met in 2023 when they became roommates and later began a relationship.
According to his interview, Robinson left home early on the morning Kirk was shot, claiming he had a long work shift.
Twiggs said he did not hear from him again until late that night when Robinson instructed him to look beneath his keyboard.
There, Twiggs allegedly found the handwritten note.
The message reportedly addressed Twiggs by his chosen name, Luna, and described Robinson leaving home “on a mission.”
Prosecutors said the note contained Robinson’s alleged admission that he had targeted Kirk and understood he could face prison or death.
Twiggs said Robinson later returned home and appeared nervous, pacing around while avoiding questions about the shooting.
He claimed Robinson eventually broke down, admitted involvement and said he regretted what had happened.
Prosecutors Claim DNA Linked Robinson to Murder Weapon
Authorities also presented evidence they say connects Robinson and Twiggs to the weapon recovered after the shooting.
Investigators found a rifle wrapped inside a dark towel in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was killed.
Prosecutors said DNA testing found genetic material belonging to both Robinson and Twiggs on the towel.
Officials said Twiggs cooperated with investigators and voluntarily provided DNA samples during the investigation.
He was granted limited immunity, meaning statements made during his police interview cannot be used against him in a prosecution.
Alleged Bullet Engravings Become Part of Prosecutors’ Case
Another major part of the hearing focused on bullet casings investigators say were found with political messages engraved on them.
Prosecutors claimed some casings recovered from the rifle contained phrases including “Hey fascist! CATCH!” and “If you are reading this, you are gay.”
They also said another casing referenced an online transgender furry meme, while another contained a reference to the Italian anti-fascist song “Bella Ciao.”
Twiggs told investigators that Robinson had previously discussed going on a hunting trip and had asked for an engraving tool to mark bullets.
He said Robinson had talked about the hunting plans for months before mentioning the engraving process shortly before the shooting.
Robinson’s Alleged Online Confession Also Presented
Prosecutors also alleged Robinson confessed to his parents before posting another admission in a Discord gaming chat.
According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly wrote that he was responsible for the shooting at Utah Valley University and said he planned to surrender through a sheriff he knew.
The message allegedly stated: “It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
Judge to Decide Whether Case Moves Toward Trial
The ongoing hearings are focused on whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case against Robinson to proceed toward trial.
Robinson, 23, has not entered a plea and faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors argue that the evidence, including surveillance footage, alleged confessions, DNA findings and messages, establishes probable cause in the case.
The judge’s ruling on the next stage of the proceedings will determine whether the case moves forward toward a full trial.
