ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman is facing backlash for comments about text messages tied to Charlie Kirk’s accused killer.
Gutman described the exchanges between suspect Tyler Robinson and his transgender roommate as “very touching.”
Controversial Comments
Speaking after charges were announced, Gutman marveled at the “intimate portrait” revealed in the texts.
He noted Robinson repeatedly referred to his partner as “my love” while preparing for the attack.
DISGUSTING: ABC’s Matt Gutman says he’s not sure “if we have seen an alleged murder with such specific text messages” that were “very touching, in a way, that I think many of us didn’t expect — a very intimate portrait into this relationship between the suspect’s roommate and the… pic.twitter.com/ulPcxoOwM3
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 16, 2025
Gutman said the duality of a brutal murder alongside affectionate messages was “riveting.”
On ABC News Live, he called the texts “heartbreaking on so many levels.”
Viral Backlash
Critics accused Gutman of romanticizing a cold-blooded assassination.
Matt Gutman
Sen. Jim Banks reacted by asking, “Wait, what???”
Columnist Karol Markowicz simply wrote, “Wtaf.”
Reporter Jerry Dunleavy called Gutman’s comments the “worst take of the day.”
Red State’s Bonchie said the press treats transgender involvement as a love story.
Stephen L. Miller argued the media will never change even after such remarks.
Social media users widely condemned Gutman’s framing as disgusting and tone-deaf.
Murder Charges
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced Robinson faces seven counts, including aggravated murder.
Text messages were included in the indictment as evidence of his planning.
Fox News Digital previously reported Robinson was romantically involved with his transgender roommate Lance Twiggs.
Text Exchanges
One message showed Robinson telling Twiggs, “I gotta grab my rifle still.”
Twiggs asked, “you weren’t the one who did it right????”
Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry.”
