Tyler Robinson, the alleged perpetrator in the death of American ultra-conservative Charlie Kirk, appeared for the first time in person in a Utah state court on Thursday, December 11, to answer for the seven charges he faces, in a hearing in which the public and the press were not allowed to attend.
State Judge Tony Graf asked the public and the press to leave the initial part of the hearing, which would address the confidentiality of an earlier hearing in which the defendant appeared virtually.
Tyler Robinson for the first time in court
Tyler Robinson in court. Is that the same guy from the tunnel? pic.twitter.com/BoWTQLm2el
– Blake (@BlakeBednarz) December 11, 2025
This is the first time Tyler Robinson, 22, has appeared in public following his arrest.
Dressed in a light blue shirt and blue jeans, the young man looked calm as he spoke to his lawyers prior to the start of the hearing.
The judge has allowed Robinson’s parents to remain in the hearing sealed to the public, following a request from the defense.
Graf is weighing the public’s right to know the details of the case because of concerns by Robinson’s lawyers that the flood of media attention could interfere with his right to a fair trial.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Department has asked the court to ban cameras in the courtroom, according to information cited by CBS.
The Utah County Attorney’s Office has charged Robinson with aggravated manslaughter for the Sept. 10 shooting of the ultraconservative activist on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem.
In total, Robinson faces seven charges, which also include one count of discharging a firearm causing serious bodily injury, in which the prosecution further alleges “aggravating factors” because it is believed that the defendant attacked Charlie Kirk “based on his political ideology and that he did so knowing that there were children present” who would witness the homicide.
Robinson is also charged with double counts of obstruction of justice for moving and concealing the rifle and for discarding the clothing he was wearing when he fired.
The prosecution has said it will seek the death penalty against Robinson, who has yet to enter a formal plea of guilty.
With information from EFE
