Provo, Utah — Video testimony from Lance Twiggs, the former lover of suspected Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson, will be played in court Thursday morning as a week-long preliminary hearing nears its end. Prosecutors had planned to show the footage Wednesday, but after objections from the defense, Judge Tony Graf Jr. ordered redactions. Prosecutors decided to wait until Thursday to ensure they could comply with the court’s instructions, according to court officials.
During the hearing, Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, shared emotional moments with her mother-in-law, Kathy Kirk. She was seen wiping tears as the family’s attorney, Jeff Neiman, requested that the unredacted video be made public. From the gallery, Kirk appeared to gesture for attorney to approach the podium, the first since the hearing began Monday.
Neiman argued that playing only a redacted version could foster doubt and distrust in the judicial system. “The Kirk family believes strongly that if the evidence is being admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see, no redactions,” he said. The judge responded that he had the tools to ensure a fair trial and would use them if necessary.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. approved redactions of about 16 minutes from Twiggs’ approximately 37-minute statement after Robinson’s defense attorney, Richard Novak, raised constitutional concerns about televising what could be considered a confession. The full video reportedly includes Twiggs discussing texts, chat logs, and notes that the defense says do not constitute a confession. Prosecutors and the defense differ on whether the statements should be characterized as such.
Robinson appeared visibly distressed at times during the hearing, fidgeting and adjusting his jacket as references to Twiggs, his former lover, were discussed. Some texts between Robinson and Twiggs have already been made public, with prosecutors claiming Robinson acknowledged being “stuck in Orem” — where the shooting occurred — and taking responsibility. Those portions are expected to be redacted from the video before it is played Thursday, though the judge said he would consider them in his probable cause decision. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to conclude by 5 p.m. Friday, ending speculation about a longer session. At the end of the proceedings, Erika Kirk and her mother shared a tearful embrace.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
