Alleged Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler James Robinson makes first Utah court appearance

Less than 4 miles from the rooftop at Utah Valley University where prosecutors allege he fired the shot that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Tyler James Robinson appeared over video to hear the charges he is facing in a Provo courtroom Tuesday afternoon.

Sitting in a room at the Utah County jail, Robinson was wearing a quilted suicide-prevention smock. He maintained a straight face throughout the 15-minute hearing.

Robinson didn’t speak except to share his name.

Reporters from national and international outlets crammed into 4th District Judge Tony Graf’s courtroom to watch the proceedings. Many migrated from a news conference held earlier in the afternoon a few blocks away, where Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced he intends to seek the death penalty for Robinson.

Prosecutors are specifically charging Robinson with seven offenses: aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; discharge of a firearm, a first-degree felony; two counts of obstruction of justice, second-degree felonies; two counts of tampering with a witness, third-degree felonies; and a misdemeanor count of violence offense committed in the presence of a child, according to charging documents.

Prominent Utah criminal defense attorney Greg Skordas appeared in court to say Robinson does not yet have a lawyer, but that he is working with Utah County to help secure one.