Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: DISTURBING! Tyler Robinson's Texts About Shooting Charlie Kirk to Roommate/Lover While On The Run From Cops
Date: September 17, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Ashleigh Banfield delivers a raw and unflinching deep dive into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, allegedly by Tyler Robinson. Drawing comparisons to another high-profile case (Luigi Mangione), Banfield explores the disturbing details of the shooting, focusing on Robinson’s incriminating text messages to his roommate/romantic partner while on the run from law enforcement. The episode features a detailed reading of those texts, careful legal analysis, and an interview with Judge Tarleka Nunes Navarro about case implications and the mental health, evidence, and legal complexities involved.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Parallels: The Luigi Mangione and Tyler Robinson Cases

Timestamp: 01:05 – 04:15

• Banfield draws a controversial parallel between Luigi Mangione (NY) and Tyler Robinson (UT):
  • Both accused of penning "menacing messages" on bullets and targeting individuals they strongly opposed.
  • Luigi's charges were dropped from terrorism to second-degree murder; still faces a potential death penalty federally.

Quote:

“Luigi Mangione was in a hearing in New York and Tyler Robinson was in a hearing in Utah. They don't look a thing alike and they're probably not the same politically, but I have to say both of them are accused of writing menacing messages on bullets and firing said bullets into targets they didn't like. So they are very similar.”
— Ashleigh Banfield (01:17)

2. The Tyler Robinson Case: Timeline & Evidence

Timestamp: 04:15 – 13:00

• Details of Tyler Robinson’s first court appearance:

  • Appeared from jail via video in a suicide prevention vest; yet to obtain a lawyer.
  • Charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice, witness tampering, and violent offense in presence of a child (notably, Kirk's children may have been present).

• Overview of the 33-hour manhunt:

  • Robinson dropped his rifle/fled scene; failed to retrieve weapon due to police presence.
  • Rifle was later found, allegedly containing DNA consistent with Robinson.
  • Banfield notes the role Robinson’s parents played in persuading him to turn himself in.

Quote:

“All of this since mom and dad and a family friend persuaded him to give himself up last Thursday. That's a day and a half after Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck and bled out in front of 3,000 people at Utah Valley University.”
— Ashleigh Banfield (06:40)

3. The Texts: Inside Tyler Robinson’s Mindset

Timestamp: 08:30 – 22:15

• Banfield reads, with commentary, the text exchanges between Robinson and his roommate/romantic partner:
  • Robinson confesses directly: “I am. I'm sorry.” (regarding shooting Kirk).
  • Attempts to retrieve his rifle, worries about forensic evidence.
  • Describes engraving messages on bullets as a "big meme"—shows detachment and flippancy about the act.
  • Expresses concern about his family seeing news coverage, and requests deletion of texts to obstruct evidence.

Notable Quotes:

• “I'm still okay, my love. I am stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my, my rifle. Still, to be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I'm sorry to involve you.”
  — Tyler Robinson, Text Message (approx 09:40)
• “Delete this exchange. It's important because obstruction of justice is delete this exchange. Get rid of the evidence. That's obstruction of justice.”
  — Ashleigh Banfield (15:50)
• “Remember how I was engraving bullets? The fucking messages are mostly a big meme. If I see ‘notices bulge uwu’ on Fox News, I might have a stroke.”
  — Tyler Robinson, Text Message (approx 14:05)

4. Legal Analysis: Damning Evidence and Possible Defenses

Timestamp: 27:41 – 35:10

Guest: Judge Tarleka Nunes Navarro

• Judge Navarro stresses how the text messages offer “element after element after element” of evidence: admissions of guilt, intent, and obstruction.
• Defense prospects are grim due to premeditation, admissions, and attempts to cover tracks.
• Insanity defense is ruled out; diminished capacity will be a challenging uphill battle.

Notable Quotes:

• “As a former defense attorney, I cringe hearing them. I just see element after element after element—witness, you know, obstruction of justice. We have witness tampering. We have lack of remorse.”
  — Judge Tarleka Nunes Navarro (28:03)
• “This was not an accident. So an insanity defense is not going to work because an insanity defense requires you to not understand right or wrong.”
  — Judge Nunes Navarro (29:47)

On the Family Testifying:

• Likely Robinson’s parents will be subpoenaed, given their involvement in his surrender.

On the Roommate’s Legal Exposure:

• While the host stresses moral obligation, the judge clarifies there is no legal duty for a civilian roommate to report such information unless imminent threat is clear.

5. Societal Concerns: Vigilantism and Political Violence

Timestamp: 23:23 – 27:41, 32:34 – 35:10

• Banfield expresses “deep worry” about rising politically motivated murders—linking Robinson’s and Mangione’s acts, and other recent high-profile attacks, to a disturbing trend in America.
• Emphasizes the importance of the legal system over vigilante acts; warns against a descent into lawlessness.

Quote:

“There are two things that are irrefutable. Puppies are cute... Murder is bad. There is no ‘but’ that you can add to the end of the sentence. Murder is bad. Sadly, I think too many people are doing this.”
— Ashleigh Banfield (25:15)

6. Closing Reflections and Values

Timestamp: 35:10 – End

• Banfield, with her characteristic mix of gravity and exasperation, reminds listeners:
  • The focus should remain on upholding due process, not politics or vengeance.
  • Gratitude for America’s system of law—contrasting with lawless places she’s witnessed as a war correspondent.
  • No matter Robinson’s mental health, the act (if proven) is inexcusable, and justice must proceed within the law.

Quote:

“If there's one thing I do know... the truth isn't just serious, it's drop dead serious.”
— Ashleigh Banfield (35:51)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – 01:05: Ads, Intro
• 01:05 – 04:15: Opening Thoughts, Parallel With Luigi Mangione
• 04:15 – 08:30: Robinson's Court Appearance & Case Summary
• 08:30 – 13:00: Details of the Manhunt & Initial Evidence
• 13:01 – 22:15: Banfield Reads & Analyzes Robinson’s Texts
• 23:23 – 27:41: Legal Representation & Societal Reflections
• 27:41 – 35:10: Interview with Judge Nunes Navarro—Legal Breakdown
• 35:10 – End: Closing Reflections

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

Banfield (on seeing Kirk’s shooting video):

“Hollywood couldn't do a job that I saw on that video. If you haven't seen the video, don't. I think it'll probably be really rough on you.” (07:10)

Judge Nunes Navarro (on defense prospects):

“An insanity defense is not going to work because an insanity defense requires you to not understand right or wrong. So that's going to be an uphill battle on the mitigation side.” (29:47)

Banfield’s recurring theme:

“There are two things that are irrefutable. Puppies are cute, Atlas included. Murder is bad. There is no but that you can add to the end of the sentence.” (25:15)

Summary

This episode is a searing exploration of the Tyler Robinson case, centered on the intense aftermath of an alleged political assassination, the mechanics of digital evidence, questions of mental health and legal culpability, and the rising danger of vigilantism in America. Ashleigh Banfield’s signature irreverent, incisive style and commitment to legal clarity shine throughout, with the tragic human costs and mounting societal anxieties always in focus.