ABC Reporter Apologizes for Comments About Killer's Texts

Once again, a Journalist at the network level interjected his opinion and now is trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube.

During a live broadcast, ABC reporter Matt Gutman strayed from objective reporting by offering his personal, and what many viewed as bizarre, interpretation of text messages sent by the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

While covering a press conference where prosecutors revealed texts from the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, Gutman interjected his own opinion on the matter. Instead of simply reporting the contents of the messages, he characterized them as “very touching in a way we did not expect.” He further added that the text exchange provided an “intimate” window into the moments following the brutal killing. This commentary was immediately seized upon and widely condemned on social media, with critics from conservative circles accusing Gutman of editorializing and inappropriately sympathizing with an alleged murderer.

Facing intense backlash, Gutman issued an apology on Wednesday via the social media platform X. He attempted to clarify his controversial choice of words, explaining that he was not expressing sympathy but was trying to highlight a different point.

“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. He acknowledged that his on-air analysis failed to convey his intended meaning. “I deeply regret that my words did not make that clear,” he stated, before adding, “But let there be zero doubt here: I unequivocally condemn this horrific crime and the pain it caused Charlie Kirk’s family.”