Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, could be seen smirking on Thursday during his first in-person pre-trial court hearing.
The hearing focused on transparency and how much information should be shared to the public in order to ensure a fair trial. While this issue is being considered, Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf closed the first part of the hearing to the public while they discussed what should and should not be made public.
Robinson could be seen smiling while he talked to his attorney.
WATCH:
Robinson is charged with one count of aggravated murder, one count of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice for hiding the rifle and discarding his clothing, two counts of witness tampering for instructing a roommate to delete texts, and one count of committing a violent offense in front of children. In October, the judge granted Robinson’s request to wear civilian clothing, but stated that he be restrained due to the nature of the charges against him.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray confirmed in September that prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, has pushed for the trial to be open to the public to ensure transparency.
“We deserve to have cameras in there,” Kirk told Fox News in November. “Why not be transparent?”
A manhunt ensued after Kirk died from a bullet wound to the neck on Sept. 10 during a campus event at Utah Valley University. Two days later, Robinson’s parents recognized him in security footage released by federal investigators and confronted their son. Robinson then confessed to the murder and threatened to commit suicide rather than turn himself in, prompting his father to contact a youth pastor who had previously been a law enforcement official. That former law enforcement official then contacted Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby.
Brooksby said during a Sept. 18 press conference that law enforcement promised a “peaceful” surrender as a condition for Robinson turning himself in. Robinson then agreed and arrived at his office with his parents and the youth pastor.
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