The individual accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk recently appeared in court, speaking only three words during the session.
Tyler Robinson, a resident of Utah, was detained on September 12 in connection with the murder of the conservative commentator, who had been shot in the neck while attending a college event a few days prior.
Robinson, 22, faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
On Tuesday, September 16, Robinson made his initial court appearance through a virtual call, where the judge began the proceedings.
During the video call from Utah County Jail, Robinson was observed wearing an anti-suicide vest.
The Associated Press reported that, despite preliminary charges, no attorney was listed for Robinson in the Utah online court records.
In the hearing, Robinson spoke for the first time, only saying three words.
Judge Tony Graf requested Robinson to confirm his name, to which he emotionlessly responded, “Tyler James Robinson.”
The judge acknowledged his presence and informed him that he would remain in custody without the possibility of bail.
The charges against Robinson include felony discharge of a firearm and two counts of obstruction of justice, such as moving a gun and disposing of clothing.
Additional charges include two counts of witness tampering, where he allegedly instructed a roommate to delete messages and to remain silent.
The seventh charge involves committing a violent crime in the presence of children.
In a press briefing, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray indicated that prosecutors in Utah would seek the death penalty.
Gray also suggested a motive, stating, “When asked why he did it, Robinson explained, ‘There’s too much evil and the guy [Kirk] spreads too much hate.'”
Robinson, reportedly raised in a Republican household, allegedly confessed to his roommate in a handwritten note, stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”
Robinson eventually surrendered to the FBI after discussions with a family friend. Judge Graf mentioned that there were aggravating factors in the case, such as the alleged targeting of Kirk due to political beliefs and the presence of children during the incident.
These factors will be considered by a sentencing judge or parole board as the case advances.
Judge Graf noted that Robinson will receive a court-appointed lawyer and scheduled the next hearing for September 29.
The charges against Robinson emerged as Kirk was beginning his ‘American Comeback Tour’ at Utah Valley University, organized by Turning Point USA, which he co-founded.
Just minutes into his speech, Kirk was shot in the neck, after which he was quickly transported to a hospital by his security team, where he was pronounced dead.
Charlie Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.