PROVO, Utah – The man accused of shooting and killing conservative speaker Charlie Kirk made his first court appearance Tuesday, just hours after prosecutors formally announced charges in the high-profile case.
Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter, appeared virtually, wearing what was described as a “restrained garment.”
The Washington County Sheriff told Fox News Robinson’s garment was known as a “suicide watch smock, designed not to tear.”
Judge Tony Graf asked Robinson to state his name and the suspect replied, “Tyler James Robinson.” Robinson otherwise did not speak during the hearing, when he looked stoic and detached and remained emotionless as the judge read through the charges, including the mention of a possible death penalty.
Tyler Robinson appears virtually in Utah court on Sept. 16, 2025, to face charges in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Utah State Courts)
He nodded when the judge mentioned he would remain in custody without bail.
Robinson also showed no visible reaction when the court referenced his alleged targeting of Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, for his political ideology.
The judge said that he had granted Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, a pre-trial protective order. Graf also said that he reviewed Robinson’s financial status and found him to be indigent, and that Robinson would need to be appointed an attorney.
Robinson did not enter a plea and his next court date is a waiver hearing scheduled for Sept. 29, which will also be via Webex.
Hours before, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said that Robinson is being charged with several counts, including aggravated murder.
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Gray said. “As county attorney, I am charged with bringing justice to those who offend our laws.”
Tyler Robinson appears virtually in Utah court on Sept. 16, 2025, to face charges in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Utah State Courts)
In addition to aggravated murder, the charges announced by Gray include two counts of obstruction of justice for hiding the rifle and discarding his clothing, two counts of witness tampering for instructing a roommate to delete texts and stay silent and one count of committing a violent offense in front of children. Gray also filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty, meaning the defendant will remain in jail without bail.
“I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney, based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime,” Gray said.
Gray said Robinson is also believed to have targeted Kirk based on his “political expression.”
Gray laid out the evidence against Robinson, detailing his actions taken after the shooting, including discarding clothing, hiding the weapon and urging his roommate to delete incriminating texts.
Authorities allege Robinson fired a single rifle shot from a rooftop sniper position, striking Kirk in the neck last Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
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