Judge Rules on Testimony in Case Against Tyler Robinson Accused of Attempted Assassination

A Utah judge ruled that Lance Twiggs, the boyfriend of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of attempting to assassinate Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, will not be required to testify in person at an upcoming court hearing. Judge Tony Graf Jr. rejected a request from Robinson's defense team to subpoena Twiggs. Prosecutors argued that they have a recorded interview in which Twiggs allegedly stated that Robinson confessed to the crime and took steps to conceal evidence. Twiggs was granted limited immunity in April for his statements against Robinson. The prosecution plans to present a handwritten note from Robinson to Twiggs as evidence. The judge also allowed hearsay evidence to be used at the preliminary hearing, stating that the Utah Constitution permits the use of reliable hearsay to establish probable cause. The ruling is another setback for Robinson's defense, which has faced multiple losses in court. Previous motions to keep proceedings private and to bar media coverage have also been denied. Robinson allegedly sent a message to Twiggs on the day of the shooting, indicating he had taken action against Kirk. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.