Tyler Robinson, the college student accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University in September 2025, expressed regret after the shooting and said he intended to surrender to authorities, according to a recorded interview with his former roommate played in a Utah court on Thursday.
Robinson faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder, and has not entered a plea.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and are attempting to convince the court that sufficient evidence exists to move the case to trial.
The preliminary hearing has also focused on disputes over what evidence should be made public and what should remain sealed to protect the fairness of future proceedings.
Lance Twiggs, Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner, told prosecutors that Robinson returned to their shared townhouse the day after the shooting and confirmed he had carried out the attack.
Twiggs said Robinson "started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it."
According to prosecutors, Robinson also sent Twiggs text messages after the shooting and left a handwritten note stating he intended to target Kirk.
One message presented in court allegedly read: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
Twiggs said he had rarely discussed politics with Robinson before the shooting and had never previously heard him speak about Kirk.
He later cooperated with investigators under an immunity agreement, allowing his recorded statements to be used during the hearing instead of live testimony.
Parts of the interview and other evidence were redacted under orders from District Judge Tony Graf.
Defense lawyers argued that public release of portions of the interview could prejudice Robinson's right to a fair trial and have also challenged evidence suggesting a political motive.
They have questioned the reliability of DNA testing linking Robinson to a towel and rifle recovered near the scene and argued investigators failed to fully explore the possibility of another suspect.
Prosecutors maintain the available evidence supports the charges and have presented text messages, online communications, and other materials as part of their case.
Attorneys representing Kirk's widow urged the court to make more evidence publicly accessible, while Judge Graf said the proceedings must balance transparency with the rights of both the victims and the defendant.
The judge is expected to decide after the preliminary hearing whether the case will proceed to trial.