A dramatic twist unfolded Thursday in the ongoing preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, when an alleged confession note was accidentally shown to the public despite a judge’s order prohibiting its release before trial.
Robinson, 23, faces the death penalty if convicted in connection with the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Prosecutors allege Robinson carried out the attack in front of thousands of people attending a public event, sending shockwaves through the political world and sparking a high-profile criminal case that has drawn national attention.
The courtroom controversy emerged when two images of what prosecutors describe as Robinson’s handwritten confession note briefly appeared on the court’s livestream. Earlier in the week, Judge Tony Graf had ruled that any alleged confession evidence should remain hidden from public view until the jury selection process is completed.
One image reportedly showed a partially burned version of the note, while another displayed an earlier photograph of the undamaged letter. Investigators testified that the original image had been recovered from the phone of Robinson’s roommate and former romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
The mistake lasted only moments before Judge Graf noticed what had happened and ordered the images removed from the livestream.
According to court filings and testimony presented during the hearing, the note was addressed to Twiggs, whom Robinson allegedly referred to as “Luna,” a nickname Twiggs said was used only by certain people in his life.
“If you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry. I left the house this morning on a mission, and set an auto text,” the letter stated.
The note continued with a stunning claim.
“I am likely dead, or facing a lengthy prison sentence. I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I don’t know if I will/have succeeded, but I had hoped to make it home to you.”
The letter also included emotional language expressing regret and reflecting on the future Robinson allegedly believed he had sacrificed.
Court testimony revealed that Twiggs told investigators Robinson directed him to the hidden note through a text message sent after the shooting. According to a recorded police interview played in court Thursday, Twiggs said the message immediately raised concerns.
Twiggs further claimed Robinson later admitted responsibility for the killing after returning home the following day. According to the interview, Robinson allegedly confirmed the shooting, became emotional, and expressed regret over his actions.
“I asked him in person if what he said he had done the night before was true. He said it was,” Twiggs told investigators.
The recorded interview, conducted in April 2026, was presented to the court with several portions redacted following legal disputes between prosecutors and defense attorneys over what information could be publicly disclosed.
As the preliminary hearing continues, the accidental release of the alleged confession note has added another layer of controversy to an already explosive case. With Robinson facing the possibility of a death sentence and prosecutors presenting increasingly detailed evidence, the proceedings are likely to remain under intense public scrutiny in the months ahead.
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