If convicted, Robinson faces the death penalty.Image: keystone
Dec 11, 2025, 9:43 p.mDec 11, 2025, 9:43 p.m
Three months after the fatal attack on right-wing activist and Trump supporter Charlie Kirk, the alleged shooter appeared in person in court for the first time. The defendant was sitting next to his lawyer in a light-colored shirt and tie, as pictures from the courtroom showed.
The father, mother and brother of the accused Tyler Robinson also came to the court in Provo, Utah, according to the defense. The start of the court hearing was broadcast on US television. A short time later, the public was excluded. The court first wanted to clarify whether certain information about the case had to be kept secret.
Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, during a hearing in District Court in Provo on December 11, 2025.Image: keystone
Kirk was a Trump supporter
Kirk was shot at the age of 31 in September while speaking outdoors on a university campus in Utah. The following day, Robinson, who was 22 years old at the time, was arrested. The attack had enormous political impact in the USA. Kirk was considered a defining voice of the US right, was an influential representative of the Trump movement Make America Great Again (MAGA) and supported Donald Trump in his election campaign. Kirk reached an audience of millions, primarily young men, with his youth organization Turning Point USA.
Robinson is charged with murder, among other things. If convicted, he faces the death penalty. There have already been hearings on the case in court, but Robinson did not appear in person at the time. Once he was connected via video from prison, and a second time he could be heard via an audio track. (sda/dpa)