Conservative activist Charlie Kirk murder suspect appears in court virtually

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – According to media reports on Wednesday the suspect in conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder case appeared before a court here virtually.

Accused Tyler Robinson appeared via video link before the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse in Provo on Tuesday.

Media reported a large computer monitor display a WebEx screen was installed in the court room, where everyone present such as court officials and media present there got first look at Robinson, who was seen wearing a sleeveless green top or vest with a short hair.

Judge Tony Graf who presided over the trial, commenced the hearing at 3 pm local time by informed Robinson of his right against self-incrimination, meaning that anything he says in court today could be used against him and that the court wants to protect his rights.

The prosecution lawyer told the court that it has filed a pre-trial protective order on behalf of Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow.

Judge Graf granted the request, media reported.

The prosecution also said it has filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty for the accused.

Utah County prosecutor Chad Grunander told the court they will seek the death penalty in this case as Robinson sits silently.

Then Judge Graf read seven charges against Robinson.

The charges are Aggravated murder, Felony discharge of a firearm, Obstruction of justice moving a firearm, Obstruction of justice disposing of clothing, Witness tampering telling a roommate to delete text messages, Witness tampering – directing a roommate to stay quiet and Violent offence committed in presence of a child.

The lawyer Greg Skordas, who is in court, told the court that he will find Robinson representation by the next hearing due on September 29 as Robinson does not appear to have legal representation at this time.

The court decides to provide a state-sponsored defence lawyer to Robinson, considering his low income.

Judge Graf decides to conclude the hearing and leaves the courtroom.

This will be a long-running and highly scrutinized legal process. It could be some time before Robinson stands trial, if the case progresses to that stage.

Prosecutors and law enforcement are also investigating the case, which could take weeks or months.

Charlie Kirk’s prominence, the stakes are high for authorities leading the charge on this case.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said Tyler Robinson who is accused of murdering Charlie Kirk was in a “romantic relationship” with his roommate, a “biological male undergoing a gender transition”.

In a note, the suspect apparently admitted to his friend that he had the “opportunity to take Kirk out”.

Media said it had found a number of social media accounts allegedly linked to the roommate.

Robinson said: “I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age” – it is also alleged he used his grandfather’s rifle.

Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point America, was shot dead, prosecutors alleged he was targeted because of his “political expression”.