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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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Text messages released between Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder, and his roommate, Lance Twiggs, have attracted scrutiny from people on social media.
Writing on X and other platforms, users questioned the veracity of texts released in court documents which detailed Robinson allegedly admitting he was responsible for the killing.
There is no evidence that the texts have been fabricated.
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Robinson is being held without bail in a special unit at the Utah County Jail. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and he has yet to enter a plea.
Why It Matters
Conservative activist Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, September 10, during a question-and-answer session on campus.
On Friday morning, authorities arrested 22-year-old Robinson and on Tuesday he was charged with aggravated murder. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said his office will seek the death penalty in response.
Twiggs, who lived with Robinson in St. George, Utah, has been confirmed by the FBI as Robinson's romantic partner. Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly identified Twiggs as a transgender individual. She has not been accused of wrongdoing, and officials say she was unaware of Robinson's plans.
The shooting has sparked political division and speculation about the motives of the shooter.
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What To Know
Writing on X, popular account Catturd said the text exchange "sounds like a script."
Another account with over 565,000 followers called it "the most convenient confession and accounting of events in the history of mankind."
Former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon said on his podcast: "I'm not buying those text messages. It just seems too stilted, too much like a script."
Political commentator Candace Owens said the messages were "clearly doctored."
Meanwhile, constitutional attorney KrisAnne Hall said sharing the texts could damage the trial because the testimony and evidence has not yet been vetted by the court.
Robinson Text Messages In Full
Twiggs: What?????????????? You're joking, right????
Robinson: I am still ok my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.
Twiggs: You weren't the one who did it, right????
Robinson: I am, I'm sorry.
Twiggs: I thought they caught the person?
Robinson: No, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing. I had planned to grab my rifle from my drop point shortly after, but most of that side of town got locked down. It's quiet, almost enough to get out, but there's one vehicle lingering.
Twiggs: Why?
Robinson: Why did I do it?
Twiggs: Yeah.
Robinson: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out. If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven't seen anything about them finding it.
Twiggs: How long have you been planning this?
Robinson: A bit over a week I believe. I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don't wanna chance it.
Robinson: I'm wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle. I'm worried what my old man would do if I didn't bring back grandpa's rifle. Idek if it had a serial number, but it wouldn't trace to me. I worry about prints. I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. Didn't have the ability or time to bring it with.
Robinson: I might have to abandon it and hope they don't find prints. How the fuck will I explain losing it to my old man... Only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel.
Robinson: Remember how I was engraving bullets? The fuckin messages are mostly a big meme. If I see "notices bulge uwu" on Fox News I might have a stroke.
Robinson: Alright I'm gonna have to leave it. That really fucking sucks.
Robinson: Judging from today I'd say grandpa's gun does just fine idk. I think that was a $2k scope ;-;
Robinson: Delete this exchange.
Robinson: My dad wants photos of the rifle... he says grandpa wants to know who has what, the feds released a photo of the rifle, and it is very unique. He's calling me rn, not answering.
Robinson: Since Trump got into office, [my dad] has been pretty diehard MAGA.
Robinson: I'm gonna turn myself in willingly. One of my neighbors here is a deputy for the sheriff.
Robinson: You are all I worry about love.
Twiggs: I'm much more worried about you.
Robinson: Don't talk to the media please. Don't take any interviews or make any comments. If any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, in a video posted on Truth Social on Wednesday: "For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today, and it must stop."
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News on Monday: "[Robinson's] family has collectively told investigators that he subscribed to left-wing ideology. He claimed that he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do it, because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for."
What Happens Next
A memorial service for Kirk will take place on Sunday, September 21, in Arizona. Trump is expected to be in attendance.
Turning Point Action said in a Saturday statement: "The event will bring together students, supporters, and national leaders from all across the country, including special guest and Charlie's friend, President Donald Trump, to celebrate Charlie's legacy and continue the fight for the principles he championed."
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