ABC News correspondent Matt Gutman is facing widespread criticism after his coverage of the murder charges against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
During his reporting, Gutman highlighted text messages Robinson allegedly sent to his trans-identifying partner, describing them as “very touching” and “intimate.”
His characterization of the exchanges sparked outrage across social media and among conservative figures.
At a press conference announcing the charges, Gutman remarked on the nature of the communications tied to the murder weapon.
“But, also, it was very touching in a way that many of us didn’t expect,” Gutman said.
He described the texts as an “intimate portrait” between Robinson and his partner, noting that Robinson repeatedly referred to his partner as “my love” and expressed a desire to protect them.
Gutman added, “So, it was this duality of someone who the attorney said not only jeopardized the life of Charlie Kirk and the crowd, but was doing it in front of children, which is one of the aggravating circumstances of this case.”
“And then, on the other hand, he was, you know, speaking so lovingly about his partner. So a very interesting and … riveting press