ABC Reporter Matt Gutman Faces Intense Backlash for Calling Suspect’s Texts “Touching”

ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman is under fire for his coverage of the Charlie Kirk shooting case. He described text messages from the alleged shooter as “touching” during a recent broadcast. The comments have ignited a swift and fierce backlash across social media platforms.

Gutman made the remark while detailing a conversation between suspect Tyler Robinson and his roommate. The incident has sparked a debate about journalistic impartiality and sensitivity in crime reporting.

Details of the Controversial Broadcast Segment

Gutman was reporting on the criminal charges filed against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. He read excerpts from text messages Robinson sent to his roommate, Lance Twiggs. The messages expressed concern for Twiggs’s well-being and contained instructions.

Robinson wrote that he would turn himself in willingly. He also told Twiggs not to speak to the media. It was during this analysis that Gutman used the word “touching” to characterize the exchange.

According to Reuters, Utah Governor Spencer Cox had previously stated Robinson and Twiggs were romantically involved. This context was part of Gutman’s report, which aimed to provide background on the suspect’s motives and state of mind.

Public and Online Reaction to the Comments

The reaction on social media was immediate and severe. Many users expressed outrage at the characterization of a murder suspect’s messages. One user on X questioned what part of a killer’s confession could be considered touching.

Others brought up Gutman’s past reporting on other high-profile cases. The criticism highlights the intense scrutiny public figures face in the digital age. Neither Gutman nor ABC News has issued a public statement addressing the controversy.

This incident underscores the challenges journalists face when reporting on sensitive and developing stories. The line between providing context and appearing to sympathize with a suspect is often very thin.

Legal Charges and Case Background

Tyler Robinson faces severe legal consequences. He has been charged with aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm. Authorities are also seeking the death penalty for the killing of commentator Charlie Kirk.

Robinson was captured after a 33-hour manhunt. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, were involved in the search. He is currently being held without bail in a Utah County Jail facility.

An affidavit states a note was found under Robinson’s keyboard. The note declared his intention to “take out” Charlie Kirk. A rifle was also recovered near the campus of the incident.

The backlash against Matt Gutman shows how carefully the media must choose its words. This ABC reporter controversy serves as a stark reminder for journalists covering violent crimes. The focus must remain on factual reporting above all else.

Info at your fingertips

What did Matt Gutman say that caused backlash?

He described text messages from murder suspect Tyler Robinson as “touching.” This occurred during a segment on the Charlie Kirk shooting case. Many viewers found the description to be inappropriate and insensitive.

What are the charges against Tyler Robinson?

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and felony discharge of a firearm. Authorities have also called for the death penalty. He is being held without bail in Utah.

Has ABC News responded to the criticism?

As of now, neither Matt Gutman nor ABC News has issued a public statement. The network has not addressed the social media backlash surrounding the reporter’s comments.

Who is Lance Twiggs?

Lance Twiggs was Tyler Robinson’s roommate. Official reports indicate the two were romantically involved. Robinson’s texts to Twiggs were a central part of the controversial news segment.

Sources

Reporting for this article was based on information from ABC News, Reuters, and associated press pool reports.