Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance Thursday, appearing before a judge in restraints as prosecutors move forward with a capital case.
Robinson appeared in civilian clothing and was flanked by three public defenders: Kathy Nester, Michael Burt, and Richard Novak.
Charlie Kirk’s alleged murderer Tyler Robinson wears a trans-flag colored tie in court.
Because Tyler Robinson is a leftist.
He lived with his transgender lover. Even his mother admitted Tyler was far left on trans issues.
Tyler Robinson killed Charlie Kirk because Charlie’s… pic.twitter.com/4pKbEPSjwN
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) December 12, 2025
He remained restrained throughout the proceeding.
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As the hearing began, Robinson was seen smirking, whispering, and laughing with one of his attorneys while seated in the courtroom.
Tyler Robinson is sitting there grinning while Charlie Kirk’s family is going though Christmas without himpic.twitter.com/3chJtfH03W
— Jack Posobiec (@JackPosobiec) December 12, 2025
A microphone in the courtroom picked up portions of Robinson’s quiet exchange with his lawyer, though the words were not clearly audible.
However, a lip-reading analysis later reviewed the interaction and offered an account of what Robinson appeared to say before the proceedings formally began.
According to reporting by the New York Post, which cited an analysis by Lip Reader Limited, Robinson appeared to reference the shooting repeatedly while speaking with his attorney.
“I think about the shooting daily,” Robinson appeared to say, according to the analysis.
“Every morning… all the time,” he continued.
The analysis also indicated that Robinson appeared to mention Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who was left to raise the couple’s two young children following the killing.
“So, he had a wife…” Robinson appeared to say during the exchange, according to the lip reader.
At another point, Robinson appeared to speak about his own mental state and habits while in custody.
“Smoking a lot …. Not sleeping at night … it’s driving me mental,” he appeared to say.
“Unfortunately, it’s doing my head in. I’m not good for anything,” he added, according to the analysis cited in the report.
LIP READER: Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, laughing and smiling in the Utah courtroom Thursday: “I think about that sh00ting daily. Every morning… all the time.”
⁰“So, he had a wife… *Laughs*”“Just smoking a lot… not sleeping at night… it’s driving me… pic.twitter.com/qEanABSOTp
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) December 12, 2025
Robinson has been held in custody since his arrest days after the killing.
Thursday’s appearance marked the first time he was physically present in court since being charged.
: JUST IN: Charlie Kirk’s assassin Tyler Robinson strolls into court SMIRKING like a man who didn’t just destroy a family, steal a father from precious children, and attack an entire movement.
First time seeing him in person… and he’s proud of it.
No remorse. No humanity.… pic.twitter.com/GhFxPYkhuX
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) December 11, 2025
The judge presiding over the hearing was identified as Judge Graf, who opened the proceedings after Robinson’s exchange with counsel.
Robinson is facing multiple felony charges in connection with the shooting death of Charlie Kirk.
Court records list the following charges:
- Count 1: Aggravated murder, classified as a capital offense
- Count 2: Felony reckless discharge of a firearm causing bodily injury
- Count 3: Felony obstruction of justice for hiding the firearm
- Count 4: Felony obstruction of justice for discarding the clothing worn during the shooting
- Count 5: Witness tampering for asking a roommate to delete incriminating messages
- Count 6: Witness tampering for demanding a transgender roommate remain silent and not speak with police
- Count 7: Commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child
Prosecutors allege that Robinson took steps after the shooting to conceal evidence and interfere with witnesses, including hiding the firearm used in the killing and discarding clothing worn at the time of the attack.
Investigators also allege that Robinson attempted to pressure individuals in his residence to delete messages and avoid cooperating with law enforcement.
The case is being prosecuted in Utah, where authorities have confirmed they are seeking the death penalty.
Charlie Kirk, a nationally known conservative figure, was killed in the shooting that led to Robinson’s arrest.
The case has drawn national attention due to Kirk’s prominence and the severity of the charges filed against the suspect.
Thursday’s hearing was procedural in nature and did not include testimony or arguments related to the evidence.
Robinson remains in custody as the case proceeds through pretrial stages, with future hearings expected as prosecutors and defense counsel prepare for what is expected to be a lengthy and closely watched legal process.
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