ABC Journalist Faces Backlash for Describing Assassin’s Messages as ‘Touching’

An ABC News journalist has come under fire for labeling text messages between Tyler Robinson, the suspected assassin of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and his roommate as “touching.” The backlash follows the revelation of these communications shortly after Robinson, aged 22, was charged with murder in connection with Kirk’s death, which has sparked widespread outrage across the United States.

On September 10, 2023, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Following the incident, authorities apprehended Robinson, who is now facing the death penalty, and released charging documents that included a disturbing exchange of messages between him and his roommate. These texts appear to reveal Robinson’s confession to the crime and his emotional state following the shooting.

According to the charging documents released by officials in Utah County, Robinson described his roommate as his “love” and expressed remorse in their communications. “I’m gonna turn myself in willingly, one of my neighbors here is a deputy for the sheriff,” he stated. The roommate’s response, “I’m much more worried about you,” contrasted sharply with the gravity of Robinson’s admissions.

During a press conference covering the charges, ABC journalist Matt Gutman reported on the text messages, describing them as “intimate, fulsome, and very touching.” He remarked on the unexpected nature of their emotional content, which included Robinson repeatedly referring to his roommate as “my love.” This characterization drew immediate criticism, particularly from conservative figures and social media users who deemed the choice of words inappropriate given the context of the situation.

Ron DeSantis, the Governor of Florida, criticized Gutman’s remarks on social media, calling it an example of “legacy media in all its glory.” Jim Banks, an Indiana Senator, expressed disbelief at the description, echoing a sentiment shared by many online. Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) responded with shock, with one user calling the portrayal “jaw-dropping.”

The text messages reveal a troubling narrative, with Robinson allegedly detailing his plan to kill Kirk while expressing affection for his roommate. In a conversation that included alarming admissions, Robinson stated, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.” He also mentioned his concern about the potential consequences of his actions, including his father’s response to losing a family rifle, which he used in the shooting.

The timeline of events surrounding Kirk’s assassination shows a well-planned attack. Kirk was shot in the neck by Robinson, who was positioned approximately 200 yards away from the event. Following the shooting, the campus was evacuated and multiple individuals were detained before Robinson was ultimately arrested on September 12, 2023, after his father reported him to law enforcement.

In the wake of the shooting, Kirk’s death was labeled a “political assassination” by Spencer Cox, the Governor of Utah. Kirk, known as a co-founder of the youth movement Turning Point USA, left behind a wife and two young children. His widow, Erika Kirk, described him as the “perfect” father and husband, expressing her heartbreak and determination to honor his memory.

Robinson’s court appearance revealed a stony demeanor as he faced the charges against him. He is currently being held without bail, with his next court date set for September 29, 2023. This case continues to unfold, capturing the attention of the nation and raising significant concerns about political violence in the current climate.

As the investigation progresses, the impact of this tragic event reverberates through the community and beyond, highlighting the complexities of the relationships and motivations behind such acts of violence.