Charlie Kirk's murderer seen smirking in court as judge weighs cameras

OREM, Utah — The 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance Thursday in a Utah courtroom, amid debates over public access to proceedings in the high-profile case.

Tyler Robinson, dressed in a light blue shirt, striped tie and khaki pants, was seen conferring with his attorneys on camera during the hearing in Utah County 4th District Court. He has not yet entered a plea to charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice.

Robinson was seen smirking in front of the cameras on Thursday.

Robinson surrendered to authorities Sept. 11, one day after the Sept. 10 shooting at an outdoor event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. His prior court appearances occurred remotely via video or audio.

Thursday's hearing centered on transparency concerns raised after an Oct. 24 proceeding that was closed to the public to discuss courtroom security, media access and Robinson's attire in court. Media outlets have sought a transcript of that hearing, but both Robinson's defense team and state prosecutors have suggested redactions.

The judge briefly closed Thursday's session to the public to deliberate on potential sealing of information, with other portions open. Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, has advocated for full public access, citing a need to counter conspiracy theories surrounding her husband's death.

"We deserve to have cameras in there," Erika Kirk told Fox News last month. "Why not be transparent?"

Kirk, 31, co-founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was known for his outspoken views on partisan issues and viral online debates with liberal critics. He was shot in the neck while speaking at the university event, the kickoff of his "The American Comeback" college tour. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital but succumbed to his injuries hours later.

Investigators initially suspected a sniper on a nearby rooftop, about 142 yards away, based on the shot's trajectory. Police released surveillance photos of the suspect, prompting Robinson's surrender after his parents recognized him.

A probable cause affidavit details key evidence: a bolt-action rifle, towel, spent cartridge casing and three unused rounds found in woods near the scene, with DNA matching Robinson's on multiple items. The unused cartridges bore engravings from internet memes and video games.

Texts from Robinson to his roommate and romantic partner — described in court documents as a biological male transitioning genders — appeared to confess the killing. "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out," Robinson wrote, citing his motive.

Robinson's mother told investigators her son had grown "more political" and "more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented" in the past year.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. The case has drawn national attention amid a surge in political violence, including recent attacks on lawmakers and officials.

 

Kirk's latest book, "Stop, in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life," was published earlier this week.

--REAL AMERICAS VOICE

#####