By Sarah Hooper
Copyright metro
Tyler Robinson (right) is facing the death penalty (Pictures: Rex/AP)
Charlie Kirk’s accused killer appeared in court for the first time today since the conservative activist was shot dead last week in Utah.
Kirk, 31, who was credited with energising the Republican youth movement and helping Donald Trump win the 2024 election, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with killing Kirk and appeared in court via video link.
He stood in front of a white background, wearing a suicide prevention vest that is standard issue for high-profile figures.
Judge Tony Graf read to Robinson the seven charges and told him that he is being given a court-appointed lawyer as he was deemed indigent.
Robinson seemed to be listening but did not display any emotion. He spoke only when asked to say his name, and seemed to nod when the judge said he was to stay in jail without bail. He has been held since his arrest on Thursday.
Tyler Robinson is accused of murdering Charlie Kirk (Pictures: AP)
What has Tyler Robinson been charged with?
Aggravated murder
Felony discharge of a firearm
Obstruction of justice – moving a firearm
Obstruction of justice – disposing of clothing
Witness tampering – telling a roommate to delete text messages
Witness tampering – directing a roommate to stay quiet
Committing violent crime when children are present
His next hearing has been scheduled for September 29 at 10am, and will be held using WebEx.
Utah lawyer Jeff Gray announced at a press conference earlier that he will seek the death penalty, saying, ‘I do not take this decision lightly.’
The Utah County Attorney’s Office has filed the a notice to seek the death penalty, confirmed criminal division chief Chad Grunander.
Investigators have been piecing together evidence, including a rifle and ammunition engraved with anti-fascist and meme culture messaging, found at the campus after the shooting.
Gray said Robinson’s romantic partner, who was reportedly trans, sent the suspect several messages on the day of the shooting.
‘Drop what you’re doing. Look under my keyboard,’ Robinson said in one text. Under it, the partner found a note that said: ‘I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.’
Tyler Robinson is being held without bail (Picture: AFP)
Kirk’s death has sparked outrage in the US (Picture: Getty)
After reading the note, the roommate texted Robinson to see if he was joking, to which he replied: ‘I am still OK, my love. … Shouldn’t be long till I can get home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret until I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.’
He was asked why he did it, and told his roommate: ‘I had enough of his hate. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.’
Gray added that Robinson’s mother saw a photo of the alleged killer a day after the shooting and called her son. He told her he was home as he felt sick.
Robinson later spoke with his father, implying he shot Kirk by saying: ‘There is too much evil, and the guy [Kirk] spreads too much hate.’
His parents recommended he speak with a family friend, who was a retired sheriff. The trio convinced Robinson to turn himself in, Gray added.
Robinson’s mother also told authorities that her son had become ‘more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented’ and moved to the left politically over the past year, states a charging document from prosecutors.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray speaks during a press conference about the charges and next steps in the case of Tyler Robinson (Picture: Reuters)
Judge Jake Graf speaks via video feed as Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, makes his first appearance at Utah County Justice Court in Provo, Utah (Picture: Reuters)
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said on Monday that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative. He said investigators believe Robinson acted alone during the shooting, but they also are looking at whether anyone knew of his plans beforehand.
A public defender to represent Robinson could be picked by Wednesday. An attorney conducting the search, Greg Skordas, said several lawyers have met with Robinson and that the selection process is underway because the local public defender is not contracted to deal with the death penalty.
Judge Graf also granted a pre-trial protective order for Kirk’s widow, Erika, which prohibits Robinson from contacting her directly or indirectly.
In the days since Kirk’s killing, Americans have found themselves facing questions about rising political violence.
Despite calls for greater civility, some who opposed Kirk’s provocative statements about gender, race and politics criticised him after his death.
Many Republicans have led the push to punish anyone they believe dishonoured him, causing both public and private workers to lose their jobs or face other consequences at work.
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