Charlie Kirk murder suspect expressed regret after shooting, court hears

• Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson expressed regret over the shooting, according to court testimony from his former roommate and partner.

A video-recorded testimony presented in a US court on Thursday showed that the man accused of killing right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk expressed regret over the shooting days after the attack.

The testimony was presented on the fourth day of hearings to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Kirk on a university campus in Utah in September.

Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s roommate and former romantic partner, told investigators in the recorded statement that he confronted Robinson after hearing about the shooting.

“I personally asked him if what he said the night before was true, and he confirmed it,” Twiggs said. “He started crying a little and said he wished he had not done it.”

Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and supporter of US President Donald Trump, was known for mobilising young voters on the political right. His killing shocked the United States and intensified tensions within conservative circles.

Investigators previously said Robinson admitted involvement in the shooting through text messages sent to Twiggs, in which he reportedly expressed frustration over what he described as the “hatred” spread by Kirk.

The relationship between Robinson and Twiggs has drawn significant attention in the case. Twiggs, who is undergoing a gender transition, was not only Robinson’s roommate but also his romantic partner. The relationship has led to speculation about whether Kirk’s views on LGBTQ issues may have played a role in the attack, though Twiggs told investigators the two did not regularly discuss transgender issues or LGBTQ politics.

Twiggs said he and Robinson first met as roommates in 2023 and began a romantic relationship two or three months later.

Robinson, who was raised in a Republican family, has not yet indicated how he will respond to the charges, including whether he will plead guilty or not guilty. Prosecutors have said he could face the death penalty if convicted.

The current hearings in Utah are expected to conclude on Friday.