Tyler Robinson, Accused of Killing Charlie Kirk, Smiles in First In-Person Court Appearance

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in September, made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Wearing a light blue collared shirt and a multicolored tie, Robinson appeared calm and even smiled at times as he spoke with his attorneys before the hearing began inside the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo, Utah.

Robinson is facing a single count of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and violent offense in the presence of a child, along with two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea, and prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.

Thursday’s hearing largely centered on how much access the media and public will have to future court proceedings and case information. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, only part of the hearing was permitted to be filmed, and members of the public — including Robinson’s family — were excluded from the courtroom during certain discussions at the judge’s direction.

CNN also reported that a media request for access to a transcript from an October hearing was raised during the proceedings.

In Robinson’s first appearance on Sept. 16, held virtually, he wore what appeared to be a suicide-prevention vest and remained silent as the charges were read.

Authorities allege that on Sept. 10, Robinson fatally shot Kirk from a building roughly 200 yards away during a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University in Orem. He then allegedly fled, leaving behind a rifle that prosecutors say contained traces of his DNA.

Robinson was later arrested after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he confessed to a family member who recognized him in surveillance images released by the FBI. The relative contacted law enforcement, and Robinson subsequently turned himself in with the assistance of a family friend.

Robinson allegedly told his roommate he had planned the shooting for “a bit over a week,” according to text messages that Cox read aloud during a press conference. When asked why he targeted the conservative activist, Robinson allegedly replied, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

Officials have said the roommate has not been charged and is cooperating with investigators.

After her husband’s killing, Erika Kirk publicly vowed to continue Charlie’s work and move forward with Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour. At Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona, she said she forgave Robinson.

A judge has previously ordered Robinson to have no contact with Erika.