Key facts
- A Utah judge has ordered parts of a recorded interview with the roommate of Charlie Kirk's alleged killer to be excluded from court.
- The ruling was made to prevent the clips from being portrayed as confessions and potentially violating the defendant's right to a fair trial.
- Tyler Robinson, 23, faces aggravated murder charges and is being sought for the death penalty in connection with Kirk's death.
- Charlie Kirk was allegedly shot on September 10, 2025, during a debate at Utah Valley University.
- The roommate, Lance Twiggs, has not been charged but participated in an interview with prosecutors.
- Prosecutors intend to present text messages between Robinson and Twiggs as evidence, which they claim show Robinson admitting to the shooting and citing Kirk's 'hatred'.
A Utah judge has restricted the use of certain parts of a recorded interview with the roommate of the man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. District Court Judge Tony Graf ruled on Wednesday that portions of the interview with Lance Twiggs could not be played in court, as the defense argued that prosecutors might present them as confessions, thereby jeopardizing defendant Tyler Robinson's right to a fair trial.
Robinson, 23, faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Investigators allege he shot Kirk, 31, on September 10, 2025, during a debate at Utah Valley University. Twiggs, who has not been charged, agreed to an interview with prosecutors in lieu of testifying at the preliminary hearing.
Robinson's lawyer, Richard Novak, unsuccessfully argued for the video to be shown in a closed hearing, stating it could prejudice potential jurors. "We are very concerned that the publication of what the state will call confessions at trial violates Mr Robinson's due process rights," Novak told the court.
Erika Kirk, the victim's widow, was present in court. Her attorney, Jeffrey Neiman, advocated for the full video to be shown, arguing that withholding it would create doubt and distrust in the judicial system. Prosecutor Lauren Hunt stated her team would make the requested cuts and planned to play the video on Thursday.
Judge Graf indicated he would review all evidence again before making a ruling on whether the case can proceed to trial. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His defense team has suggested police overlooked evidence of other potential involvement in the killing. Prosecutors intend to present text messages between Robinson and Twiggs, which they claim show Robinson admitting to the shooting and stating he had "enough of his hatred." The defense disputes the prosecution's claim of a political motive, which could be used to support the death penalty argument.