Tyler Robinson Appears Virtually in Court for First Time Since Charlie Kirk Killing By Christine Pelisek, Bethany Brown, and Ben Brachfeld 16

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, appeared virtually in court for the first time on Tuesday, Sept. 16 wearing what appeared to be a suicide-prevention vest.

This came a few hours after Robinson was formally charged with single counts 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, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced at a press conference.

Gray also said he would seek the death penalty against Robinson.

Judge Tony Graf read aloud those charges in the hearing this afternoon, alleging that Robinson “intentionally selected” Kirk because of his “belief or perception regarding Charlie Kirk’s political expression.”

Robinson remained silent as the charges against him were read, only nodding and stating his name when addressed by the judge.

Judge Graf also granted a protective order to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. The order prohibits Robinson from contacting Erika.

Authorities allege Kirk was fatally shot from the roof of a building about 200 yards away from where he was speaking at a Sept. 10 rally at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Robinson was taken into custody after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he allegedly confessed to a family member when they saw surveillance images released by the FBI and confronted him.

Family members and a family friend were able to convince Robinson to turn himself in.

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According to a newly released charging document, Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner — who is transitioning from male to female — received a text from Robinson on Sept. 10, after Kirk’s killing telling him to “look under my keyboard.”

The note discovered allegedly read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” according to the charging document.

The roommate asked twice if Robinson was serious, to which Robinson allegedly said he was, and that he was “sorry to involve you” because he intended to keep the secret until he died, according to the document.

Asked why he murdered the right-wing activist, Robinson allegedly replied “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

Robinson allegedly said he had planned the shooting for “a bit over a week.”

He will be back in court on Sept. 29 at 10 a.m., at which point he will have legal representation.

Judge Graf said a public defender will be appointed to represent Robinson.