Tyler Robinson shows no remorse in first court appearance after being charged with Charlie Kirk’s murder

A Utah court read charges against Tyler Robinson, 22, who appeared virtually, emotionless, in a self-harm prevention vest
PUBLISHED SEP 17, 2025
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray filed seven charges against Tyler Robinson and said he will seek the death penalty, calling Charlie Kirk’s murder an 'American tragedy' (YouTube/COURT TV)
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray filed seven charges against Tyler Robinson and said he will seek the death penalty, calling Charlie Kirk’s murder an 'American tragedy' (YouTube/COURT TV)

SPANISH FORK, UTAH: Tyler Robinson, charged with the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, made his first court appearance, where he showed no sign of remorse.

On September 16, a Utah court read the formal charges against Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old former Utah State University student, who appeared virtually and stood emotionless, wearing only a vest designed to prevent self-harm. 



 

Death penalty sought for Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk's murder

Seven charges have been filed against Robinson, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. During a press conference, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced that he is seeking the death penalty for Robinson and called Kirk's murder an “American tragedy.”

(Office of the Governor of Utah via Getty Images, X/@FBISaltLakeCity)
Tyler Robinson wrote that he had enough of Charlie Kirk’s hatred and that some hate could not be negotiated out (Office of the Governor of Utah via Getty Images, X/@FBISaltLakeCity)

“I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime,” he said.

He further stated that “Kirk was murdered while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights, the bedrock of our democratic republic, the free exchange of ideas and a search for truth, understanding, and a more perfect union.”

“It is also an offense against the state and to the peace and enjoyment of the people of Utah and of all those who visit here,” he added.

According to court filings, Robinson sent a text message to his live-in partner asking them to look under his keyboard for a note that said, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," which linked him to the case and supported the prosecution's claim.

His next court hearing is scheduled for September 29. Until then, he has been ordered to remain in Washington County Jail without bond, under special watch protocol that includes close supervision.

Tyler Robinson’s mother reveals her son's political leanings

Charlie Kirk
The FBI released a surveillance image showing Tyler Robinson fleeing after the shooting of Charlie Kirk (FBI)

Jeff Gray claimed that Robinson’s mother, Amber, saw the surveillance photo released by the FBI and believed it was her son.

She then contacted authorities to inquire about his whereabouts, including his location on the day Kirk was murdered. Robinson reportedly replied that he had been sick on both days.

Amber revealed to investigators that over the past year her son had become more political and started leaning toward the left.

"He became more gay and trans-rights oriented," she said, adding that he began dating his roommate, "a biological male who was transitioning genders." This created tension within the family, especially with his conservative father. Amber also revealed that Robinson accused Kirk of spreading hate.   

Tyler Robinson admits motive in Charlie Kirk campus shooting

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' when he was shot in the neck and killed (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Charlie Kirk, the American right-wing conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot dead on September 10 while speaking at a public debate event at the Utah Valley University campus.

When asked about his motive, Robinson wrote, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

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