Matt Gutman, a prominent ABC News reporter, has apologized after sparking outrage by describing text messages sent by Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin as “very touching.”
Gutman was reporting Tuesday on texts revealed in newly released charging documents and read aloud at a Utah press conference that revealed 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Kirk, exchanged intimate texts with his transgender partner and roommate.
The messages showed Robinson apologizing and expressing affection. “I’m gonna turn myself in willingly… You are all I worry about love,” one text read.
On air, Gutman described the texts as “intimate, fulsome, and very touching,” adding it was “a very intimate portrait into this relationship… with him repeatedly calling his roommate, who is transitioning, ‘my love’ and saying, ‘I want to protect you, my love.’”
The description sparked instant backlash. Critics accused the ABC journalist of romanticizing a brutal assassination.
Fierce Reaction
Politicians and commentators quickly weighed in.
- “Legacy media in all its glory,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X.
- Senator Jim Banks posted: “Wait, what??”
- Sen. John Kennedy said on Fox News’s Ingraham Angle: “Touching? The guy just murdered another human being. And he is talking about it to his love interest.”
- Conservative host Rob Carson mocked the comment, likening it to praising the notes of Jeffrey Dahmer: “They were quite touching.”
Fox contributor Joe Concha, along with Meghan McCain, called for Gutman’s firing.
Gutman Walks It Back
By Wednesday, Gutman posted a statement on X clarifying his words.
“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,” Gutman wrote.
“I deeply regret that my words did not make that clear. But let there be zero doubt: I unequivocally condemn this horrific crime and the pain it caused Charlie Kirk’s family, those who were forced to witness it at UVU, and the millions of people he inspired.”
It remains unclear if Gutman issued the apology voluntarily or under pressure from ABC executives.
The Case Against Robinson
Robinson, who prosecutors say had been planning the killing for more than a week, is charged with murder and could face the death penalty.
Court filings revealed that he left a chilling note under his keyboard: “I have an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” He later admitted responsibility in Discord chats before his arrest.
Robinson appeared stone-faced in court for the first time Tuesday, speaking only to confirm his name. He remains in jail without bail, with his next hearing set for September 29.
A Family in Mourning
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, leaves behind his widow Erika and their two young children. Erika has described him as the “perfect husband and father” and vowed that his mission would continue.
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” she said in a heartbreaking tribute.
