Topics: Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, Utah, US News, Crime
The man charged with Charlie Kirk's assassination has made his first appearance in court, where he said just three words.
Tyler Robinson, from Utah, was arrested on September 12 in connection with the assassination of the right-wing commentator, who was shot in the neck while speaking at a college event just days earlier.
The 22-year-old suspected gunman has since been charged with several offences, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
The young man made his first court appearance on Tuesday (September 16), where he appeared by a virtual link to hear the judge's initial remarks.
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Robinson was seen wearing an anti-suicide vest in the four-way video call from Utah County Jail.
According to The Associated Press, no attorney was listed in the Utah online court docket, even after the preliminary charges were brought against him.
In the hearing, Robinson's voice was heard for the first time, though he only uttered three words.
Judge Tony Graf asked the suspected murderer to state his name, to which he reportedly replied in an emotionless tone: "Tyler James Robinson."
Graf replied: "Thank you for being here," before telling him he will 'remain in custody without bail.'
The seven charges brought against him include a felony discharge of a firearm and two counts of obstruction of justice, including moving a firearm and disposing of clothing.
He is also charged with two further counts of witness tampering, including telling a roommate to 'delete messages' and directing a roommate to 'stay quiet'.
Finally, his seventh count applies to committing a violent crime when children are present.
In a press conference yesterday, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said that Utah prosecutors would press for the death penalty.
He also suggested a possible motive, explaining: "When asked why he did it, Robinson explained, 'There's too much evil and the guy [Kirk] spreads too much hate'."
The young man, who was reportedly raised in a Republican household, also allegedly admitted to the murder to his roommate in a handwritten note which read: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to take it."
Robinson ultimately handed himself in to the FBI after speaking with a family friend, but Judge Graf added that there were 'aggravated factors' to consider in the case, including his alleged targeting of Kirk for his political views and the fact that children were present to witness the shooting.
He said a sentencing judge or parole board would weigh up these factors as the case proceeds.
Judge Graf added that Robinson will be given a court-appointed attorney and set his next hearing for September 29.
Robinson's charges come as Kirk was speaking from Utah Valley University for the first leg of his 'American Comeback Tour,' organized by Turning Point USA, which he co-founded.
Mere minutes into the debate, he was shot in the neck. Shortly after, he was rushed to hospital by his security team, where he was later pronounced dead.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
