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 conference.”
On ABC News’ livestream platform, Gutman went further, calling the messages “heartbreaking on so many levels.”
He linked the murder to what he described as “the portrait of a very human person.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a press conference in which we’ve read text messages that are A, so fulsome, so robust, so apparently allegedly self-incriminating and yet, on the other hand, so touching, right?” Gutman said.
He continued, “And the terminology he used, he was trying to protect him. He kept calling him ‘my love.’ ‘My reason for doing this is to protect you,’ you know, but also asking him to delete the messages and not speak to law enforcement.”
“So, there’s this heartbreaking duality that we’re seeing very tragically playing out.”
WATCH:
Following his remarks, Gutman went viral as critics condemned his commentary.
Many argued his framing was inappropriate given the circumstances of Kirk’s murder.
“Wait, what???” Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) wrote on social media.
New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz reacted, “Wtaf.”
Just The News correspondent Jerry Dunleavy posted, “@MattGutmanABC the new front runner for worst take of the day, and that’s an impressive feat today.”
Red State writer Bonchie said, “All it takes is transgenderism being involved, and suddenly the mainstream press thinks the shooter and his boyfriend are a touching love story. Insane.”
Versus Media podcast host Stephen L. Miller wrote, “If they aren’t going to change over this, they aren’t going to change over anything.”
