An ABC nesw reporter was criticised by top Republicans for his comments following the release of alleged text messages sent by Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer

Charlie Kirk was holding a rally at Utah Valley University when he was shot dead(Image: Getty Images)

A news reporter’s response to the messages sent by Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer before the activist was shot dead has been criticised. Kirk, 31, was assassinated during a rally in Utah, with Tyler Robinson, 22, since being charged with murder.

Robinson faces the death penalty if found guilty. Following his arrest, Utah County officials have released alleged text messages between the suspected shooter and his roommate.

However, ABC news reporter Matt Gutman sparked outrage after labelling the messages “touching”. In the alleged exchange, Robinson is said to have admitted to the shooting. He is said to have sent the texts shortly after the incident.

Matt Gutman has been criticised(Image: abc)

Among the alleged messages, Robinson is said to have told his roommate about a note he had left under his keyboard. “I have an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” a note seen by police said.

Robinson is later said to have said “sorry” after being questioned if he was the person behind the shooting. It’s claimed in court filings that Robinson and his roommate were “romantically involved”.

Speaking on an ABC livestream, Gutman pointed out the emotional tone of the texts. He told viewers: “It was very touching in a way that many of us didn’t expect.

“A very intimate portrait into this relationship between the suspect’s roommate, who is transitioning, and the suspect himself, with him repeatedly calling his roommate, ‘my love.’ And, ‘I want to protect you, my love.”

But the comments didn’t go down well with some of those viewing. They took to social media to share their fume. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was even among those hitting out at the reporting, slamming on Twitter/X : “Legacy media in all its glory.”

Another top Republican, Indiana Senator Jim Banks, also shared his disbelief. “What, what??” he questioned.

And other users were also quick to comment, with one slamming the comments as “just jaw-dropping”.

Prosecutors said on Monday that Robinson faces seven felony counts in connection with the September 10 assassination of the conservative activist at Utah Valley University.

It comes after comedian Gina Yashere’s comments regarding the death of Charlie Kirk were also slammed. The 51-year-old British star, who had relocated to the US, was criticised for her words regarding the political activist’s previous words and beliefs.

Yashere had accused Donald Trump’s ally of preaching hate in his speeches. She said he was “xenophobic, transphobic, homophobic, racist, misogynist and sexist” in her online rant.

She said: “That hate directly affected people, that isn’t political difference. If you are preaching something that is directly going to get me eradicated on the streets, that isn’t political difference, as far as I’m concerned that’s terrorism.

“Charlie Kirk got what Charlie Kirk advocated for. He wanted more guns on the streets. He didn’t mind a few kids being shot to death in their classrooms or the odd Democrat being murdered in their home.

“I don’t believe in heaven and hell. But just in case there is, Charlie Kirk is going down there. And if he does, I hope he gets dropped off by a black pilot.”