ABC News has controversially characterized the recently released text messages between Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, and his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, as “very touching” and “so loving.”
This portrayal by the media has sparked outrage, highlighting concerns about moral standards in journalism.
As the nation mourns the tragic death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, ABC News appears to focus on the unsettling correspondence between Robinson and Twiggs.
Authorities in Utah released the full text exchange between the two on Tuesday, which is graphic and chilling, detailing the planning and aftermath of the assassination.
In one exchange, Twiggs expresses shock upon reading a note from Robinson: “What????????????? You’re joking, right??????” Robinson replies, “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 questions, “you weren’t the one who did it, right????” Robinson responds, “I am, I’m sorry.” The exchange continues, revealing Robinson’s planning and intentions surrounding the crime.
Amidst these discussions, Robinson expresses concern for Twiggs, stating, “You are all I worry about love,” to which Twiggs responds, “I’m much more worried about you.”
During a live segment, ABC’s Matt Gutman commented on the texts, stating, “We have seen an alleged murder with such specific text messages about the alleged murder weapon—where it was hidden, how it was placed, what was on it. But it was also very touching in a way that I think many of us didn’t expect.” Gutman highlighted the contradiction of Robinson’s affectionate language towards Twiggs while being implicated in a violent crime.
Gutman elaborated, “It’s heartbreaking on so many levels… on the other hand, there is this duality: a portrait of a very human person, a very human experience… the terminology he used—he was trying to protect him. He kept calling him ‘my love.’ My reason for doing this is to protect you.”
The text messages and their implications have sparked widespread debate about the nature of media coverage in cases involving violence and personal relationships.