Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday, where he was charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, felony discharge of a firearm, and commission of a violent offence in the presence of a child.
Credit: SCOTT G WINTERTON/POOL/EPA/Shutterstock
At a Utah Valley University event last week, MAGA supporter Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck in now-viral footage. Tyler Robinson, 22, was picked up two days later after a state-wide manhunt. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is now seeking the death penalty for Tyler, something supported by both Donald Trump and high-ranking US officials.
“I do not take this decision lightly,” he said during yesterday’s proceedings, where Tyler appeared to the court via video link.
Sitting in a suicide vest, a piece of clothing which prevents a suspect from self-harm, Tyler’s only words in the 12-minute hearing were “Tyler James Robinson” when asked to confirm his name by Judge Tony Graf, The Times reported. He allegedly said it in a “confident” voice.
“Thank you for being here,” Judge Graf then said.
Tyler was “invited” to his next court apperence on September 29, and he nodded. He is not eligible for bail, but a defence lawyer will be provided as he met the necassary financial requirements.
Tyler Robinson’s texts were also revealed in court
Credit: Utah Governor’s Office
Amidst the legal proceedings, Tyler Robinson’s text chain with his roommate was revealed, illustrating a possible motive behind the controversial figure’s murder.
“I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I’m able to grab my rifle unseen I will have left no evidence. Going to attempt to retrieve it again, hopefully they have moved on. I haven’t seen anything about them finding it,” he said, urging his friend to “delete” the messages.
Those sentiments were echoed by Jeff Gray, who told reporters outside the court: “When asked why he did it, Robinson explained, ‘There’s too much evil and the guy [Kirk] spreads too much hate’.”
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Featured image credit: Utah County Jail and Charlie Kirk/YouTube
