Tyler Robinson, Charged in Death of Conservative Leader Charlie Kirk, Makes First Public Court Appearance

The man charged with murder in the killing of conservative leader Charlie Kirk made his first public court appearance in Utah on Thursday, marking his initial appearance since arrest.

Tyler Robinson, 22, entered the courtroom flanked by his attorneys, who continue urging the judge to sharply restrict media access for the high-profile case. Reports from The Daily Mail indicate Robinson—previously seen only through remote video links—appeared calm and even smirked during interactions with his legal team before the hearing.

Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 at a speaking event held at Utah Valley University, an attack witnessed by hundreds of people. As Robinson walked into the courtroom, he glanced toward the row reserved for family members. His mother, visibly emotional, wiped away tears as he took his seat.

Robinson’s attorneys, in coordination with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, have requested Judge Tony Graf bar cameras from proceedings. The Daily Mail reported that Graf ordered the press and public to leave the courtroom moments after Monday’s hearing began. The defense also sought permission for Robinson’s parents to remain in the courtroom, but the judge denied this request.

Graf has acknowledged the extraordinary public attention surrounding the case and implemented measures to preserve Robinson’s presumption of innocence. At a closed hearing on October 24, attorneys discussed whether Robinson would appear in prison garb or street clothes, as well as security protocols. It was ultimately decided that Robinson may wear civilian clothing during pretrial hearings but must remain in restraints. The judge prohibited the media from photographing or filming those restraints, citing concerns such as potential bias in jury selection.

A coalition of news organizations has urged the court to maintain public access. Attorney Michael Judd, representing the group, argued in recent filings that open proceedings “safeguard the integrity of the fact-finding process” and maintain public trust. Utah courts typically permit at least one designated photographer and one videographer to document hearings, with other journalists attending to observe and take notes. Judd emphasized that criminal proceedings in the U.S. have historically been open to the public.

Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow, has similarly called for full transparency, stating: “We deserve to have cameras in there.”

Robinson’s attorneys claim media attention surrounding the case reached as far as the White House, noting President Donald Trump publicly stated after the arrest: “With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” adding he hoped Robinson would face the death penalty if convicted. Investigators suggest Robinson may have been motivated by left-wing extremist ideology and radicalized online, though no motive has been proven in court.