Tyler Robinson, the man suspected of killing right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance.
Robinson, 22, wore a light blue button-up shirt and a multi-colored tie during the Thursday, December 11, appearance. Per footage shared via YouTube, Robinson seemed calm as he smiled and he sat in the courtroom with his legal team.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Robinson’s parents and brother were present for the hearing as well.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and violent offense in the presence of a child. He is also facing two counts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Robinson has not entered a plea at this time. Prosecutors are reportedly considering the death penalty.
Texts Between Accused Charlie Kirk Shooter and Roommate Hint at Motive
During the Thursday hearing, media coverage of Robinson’s trial was discussed as Kirk’s murder case has garnered national attention.
“We don’t want the chaos that is out in the media in this courtroom,” defense attorney Staci Visser said. “So whatever this court can do to prevent that, that’s what we’re asking.”
The judge will make a decision later this month on a potential gag order.
This is Robinson’s first physical time in the courtroom. His last appearance from September was done virtually as he’s been behind bars in the Utah County jail without bail since his arrest. Robinson seemingly wore a suicide-prevention vest and remained silent while the charges against him were read.
Kirk was shot and killed during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in September. The Turning Point USA founder was 31. Charlie is survived by wife Erika Kirk and their two children.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we, the Turning Point USA leadership team, write to notify you that early this afternoon, Charlie went to his eternal reward with Jesus Christ in Heaven,” Turning Point USA shared in a statement at the time.
After news broke of Charlie’s death, multiple suspects were taken in for questioning before the law enforcement announced that Robinson turned himself in.
In September, prosecutors claimed they had an alleged text exchange between Robinson and his roommate that allegedly revealed Robinson’s motive.
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” the alleged note read.
The roommate asked Robinson, “You weren’t the one who did it right?” to which Robinson allegedly confessed, “I am, I’m sorry.” When asked by his roommate why he did it, Robinson shared his alleged motive.
Charlie Kirk Shooting Death Investigation: Updates on the Case
“I had enough of his hate,” he allegedly wrote. “Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Later that month, Erika, 37, gave an emotional speech at Charlie’s memorial where she publicly forgave her husband’s killer.
“I forgive him because it is what Christ did,” Erika said during the service, which was held at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. “The answer to hate is not hate.”
During Robinson’s September hearing, a judge granted a pre-trial protective order for Erika, meaning that Robinson will be barred from contacting her in any way, according to People.
