Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin Appears Remotely in Court
The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk made a remote court appearance in Utah on Tuesday, his first time before a judge since the shooting earlier this month.
Remote Hearing Instead of In-Person Appearance
Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with assassinating Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Though the court had initially expected him to appear in person, Robinson instead attended the brief hearing remotely, from a secure housing unit at the Utah County Jail.
Judge Tony Graf presided over the 10-minute proceeding in Provo. When prompted, Robinson confirmed his presence verbally, though spectators never saw him on camera.
The decision to allow a remote appearance was requested by the defense and granted over the weekend. While no official explanation has been given, legal observers noted that heightened security concerns may have influenced the choice, especially after a separate attack on a church in Michigan just days earlier.
Defense Adds Attorneys, Seeks More Time
Robinson’s defense team, led by Utah attorney Kathy Nester, asked the judge for additional time before deciding whether to request an evidentiary hearing. They also said California-based lawyers Michael N. Burt and Richard G. Novak have joined the defense.
Nester requested more time to determine if Robinson will seek bail, while prosecutors said they had begun sharing discovery materials with the defense. The prosecution also asked the court for clarification on a gag order currently in place.
Judge Graf asked if Robinson intends to appear in person at the next scheduled hearing on October 30. Nester confirmed that he will.
Security Tightened at Courthouse
Although Robinson appeared remotely, security was visibly heightened around the Provo courthouse. Judge Graf temporarily banned bags inside the courtroom, and police K-9 units conducted multiple sweeps before the hearing began. Only a small group of spectators and limited members of the media were present.
A spokesperson for the Utah County Sheriff’s Office stressed that Robinson had not been harmed in custody and that his absence from the courtroom was not due to any incident in jail.
Charges Could Bring Death Penalty
Robinson faces seven charges tied to Kirk’s assassination, including aggravated homicide, felony discharge of a firearm, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. The aggravated homicide charge carries the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted.
Court documents state that Robinson allegedly confessed to his parents, friends, and romantic partner after the shooting. Investigators also say they recovered his DNA from the weapon believed to have been used in the attack: a Mauser .30-06 rifle with a custom stock. According to filings, Robinson’s father questioned him about the rifle’s location shortly after news of the shooting broke.
Authorities have said they believe Robinson acted alone and did not share his plans with anyone before the attack.
Kirk’s Movement Continues with College Tour
While the case against Robinson moves forward, Turning Point USA has resumed its college tour in Utah, marking the group’s first event in the state since Kirk’s killing.
The Tuesday event was held at Utah State University in Logan, roughly two hours north of Utah Valley University where the shooting occurred. The program, hosted by podcast personality Alex Clark, featured a panel with Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Andy Biggs, former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
The tour, which Kirk had been leading, is now continuing under the guidance of other prominent conservative figures who say they intend to honor his legacy.
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