Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson makes 1st in-person court appearance
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday.
Robinson wore a button-down shirt and a tie, following a judge's ruling to allow him to wear civilian clothing during pretrial hearings. His parents and brother were in the courtroom for Thursday's hearing, according to defense attorneys.
The judge addressed three issues regarding media access -- the first of which was closed to the public and involved the release of the audio recording and transcript from a closed hearing on Oct. 14.
The judge is set to rule on that, as well as a motion filed by media organizations seeking limited party status in the case, on Dec. 29.
The judge granted the state's motion to amend the gag order to further define the term "witness."
Prosecutors argued the term was vague and overly broad, given there are potentially more than 3,000 witnesses to the campus shooting. The judge ruled that "witness" under the order applies to those who are part of the prosecution and defense teams, including people who will likely be called to testify at a hearing or trial.
Robinson is scheduled to make his next in-person hearing in the case on Jan. 16, 2026.
Kirk was shot and killed in the middle of his outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. The 31-year-old was the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, and the Utah Valley event marked the first stop of his "The American Comeback Tour," which invited students on college campuses to debate hot-button issues.
Robinson allegedly fled the scene of the shooting, prompting a massive manhunt. Robinson surrendered to authorities on the night of Sept. 11.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
Robinson made two previous court appearances, but the first was virtual and the second was audio-only.
He has not entered a plea. He could face the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder.
