Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political commentator Charlie Kirk, appeared in court Thursday for his first in-person hearing since his arrest. The 22-year-old entered the courtroom in civilian clothing and remained restrained as the session got underway.
Three public defenders — Kathy Nester, Michael Burt, and Richard Novak — sat beside Robinson while Judge Graf prepared to begin the proceedings.
Courtroom Behavior Raises Attention
Before the judge took the bench, Robinson quietly spoke with one of his attorneys. Several observers noticed him smiling and appearing relaxed during the brief exchange.
A courtroom microphone captured parts of the conversation, but the audio remained unclear and difficult to understand.
Lip-Reading Report Describes Private Exchange
Later reports cited a professional lip-reading analysis of the interaction. According to the assessment, Robinson appeared to speak repeatedly about the shooting and suggested the event continues to affect him on a daily basis.
– “I think about the shooting daily,” Robinson said…“Every morning… all the time,” he continues
He then appears to mention Kirk’s widow, Erika.
– “So, he had a wife…” the lipreader caught at one moment.
The analysis indicated he mentioned ongoing sleep problems and described feeling mentally overwhelmed since the incident.
– “Smoking a lot …. Not sleeping at night … it’s driving me mental.”
– “Unfortunately, it’s doing my head in. I’m not good for anything,” he adds, according to the analysis.
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Reference to Victim’s Family
During the exchange, Robinson also appeared to mention Kirk’s wife, Erika, who was left to raise the couple’s two young children. The comment drew attention from those following the case.
Prosecutors Outline Serious Charges
Robinson now faces multiple felony charges. These include aggravated murder, reckless firearm discharge causing injury, obstruction of justice related to evidence disposal, and several counts of witness tampering. Prosecutors have also alleged the crime occurred in the presence of a child.
Death Penalty on the Table
Utah prosecutors have confirmed they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. The case remains in its early stages, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.
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