In Provo, Utah, the court is set to review video testimony from Lance Twiggs, former partner of Tyler Robinson, the accused in Charlie Kirk’s assassination. This presentation comes as the preliminary hearing nears its conclusion. Initially planned for Wednesday, the video was postponed due to defense objections, prompting Judge Tony Graf Jr. to request redactions. Prosecutors preferred to wait until Thursday to ensure compliance with the order.
Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, expressed emotion in the courtroom, urging through her attorney, Jeff Neiman, for the unredacted video to be shown publicly. She believed transparency would prevent public doubt in the judicial system. Neiman assured the judge that the court possesses measures to ensure Robinson receives a fair trial.
Defense objections led to Judge Graf agreeing to redact 16 minutes from the 37-minute video. Robinson’s attorney, Richard Novak, raised concerns about presenting a so-called “confession” publicly. The complete video reportedly includes Twiggs discussing messages and a note perceived as Robinson’s confession, although the defense disputes this characterization.
During the hearing, Robinson showed signs of unease, especially when Twiggs was mentioned. Publicly available texts suggest Robinson felt accountable for the event in Orem. Comments on these texts are expected to be omitted from Thursday’s video, but Judge Graf will consider them in his probable cause decision.
The hearing is scheduled to conclude by 5 p.m. Friday, quelling rumors of an extension. As the session ended, Erika and Kathy Kirk shared a poignant moment of comfort.