Tyler Robinson Appears in Court, Smiles at His Family
Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in court for the first time wearing a light blue shirt, slacks, and a striped necktie. He is the suspect accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, a right-wing youth activist in the United States.
On December 12, Yonhap News Agency, citing AP and CNN, reported that Robinson appeared in the Provo, Utah courthouse on December 11 (local time). He was wearing handcuffs and restraints on his wrists and ankles.
Judge Tony Graf, who is presiding over the case, ruled in a closed hearing in October that Robinson could wear civilian clothing during pretrial hearings, but for security reasons, he must remain in restraints.
Robinson has been indicted as the suspect in Kirk's assassination on charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, witness tampering, and obstruction of justice. He turned himself in to police on September 11, the day after Kirk was assassinated in a shooting during an outdoor debate at Utah Valley University campus.
At the time, he wrote about his motive for the crime: "I was sick of his hatred. Some hatred can't be resolved through conversation."
Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson appeared in court for the first time. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
U.S. media reported that Robinson smiled at his family, who were seated in the front row when he arrived in court, and that his mother wiped away tears. University students who witnessed Kirk being shot also attended the hearing.
During the hearing, there was discussion regarding whether the trial proceedings would be open to the media. Robinson's attorneys and the Utah County Sheriff's Office requested that the judge prohibit cameras in the courtroom, while Kirk's wife, Erika Kirk, demanded a public trial, insisting that cameras be allowed. The judge has not yet made a decision on whether the trial will be open to the public.
Meanwhile, Kirk was a strong supporter of President Trump and had emerged as one of the most influential young right-wing figures in the United States. He was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The prosecution is reportedly planning to seek the death penalty at trial.
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