Gutman attempted to highlight what he described as a “duality” in the case, the contrast between the brutality of the killing and the personal, emotional language in the messages between Robinson and Twiggs.

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

“A very intimate portrait into this relationship between the suspect’s roommate and the suspect himself,” Gutman said during the segment. “It was very touching in a way that I think many of us didn’t expect.”

But the comment struck a nerve with many, who accused Gutman of romanticizing or sympathizing with the alleged killer.

In response to the controversy, Gutman took to X, formerly Twitter, to explain his intent.

1. Yesterday I tried to underscore the jarring contrast between this cold blooded assassination of Charlie Kirk – a man who dedicated his life to public dialogue – and the personal, disturbing texts read aloud by the Utah County Attorney at the press conference.

— Matt Gutman (@mattgutmanABC) September 17, 2025

Gutman said he had hoped to underscore the “jarring contrast” between what he described as a “cold-blooded assassination” and the “personal, disturbing” messages that were read aloud at the press conference. He referred to Kirk as “a man who dedicated his life to public dialogue,” and admitted that his commentary failed to make that contrast clear.

He went on to express regret, saying he “deeply” wished he had chosen his words more carefully. Gutman also made clear that there should be “zero doubt” about where he stands on the crime, writing that he “unequivocally condemns” the assassination and the suffering it caused — not only to Charlie Kirk’s family and those present at the event, but also to “the millions of people he inspired.”

Despite the apology, critics remained unconvinced.

“ABC and Matt Gutman have really reached a NEW LOW,” one user said. “Gutman found the murderer’s texts to his lover, sent immediately after shooting a husband and father in the neck, oh so ‘touching.’”

“Just… what? What are you doing, man?” OutKick commentator Mary Katharine Ham posted.

“He really needs to be fired,” another user added. “Read the room. Or better yet, just report the facts. It’s called journalism.”

Others responded with biting sarcasm.

“Ah yes, a modern-day Romeo and Julius,” one user said.

The Utah County Attorney’s Office released transcripts of messages between Robinson and Twiggs that prosecutors say were sent just hours after Kirk was fatally shot.

In one message, Robinson told Twiggs: “Drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.”

There, Twiggs reportedly found a handwritten note from Robinson stating: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”

When Twiggs asked if the message was real, Robinson replied: “I am still ok, my love, but am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”

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Finally, when Twiggs directly asked whether Robinson was the shooter, Robinson responded: “I am. I’m sorry.”

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and several additional offenses. Authorities say the act was premeditated and carried out in front of a crowd that included children, a factor that could carry serious sentencing implications.