The man charged with assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, 22, was seen in court on Thursday, for the first time since his arrest in September.
If proven guilty, Robinson is facing a potential death sentence.
Judge Ton Graf of the Utah Fourth District Court is overseeing the case, and allowed Robinson to wear civilian clothes to the hearing on Thursday. The judge is being commended for his polite but firm handling of the case, and experts have noted the importance of this, considering the death penalty is being sought and there should be no wiggle room for the defense to claim Robinson didn’t get a fair trial.
Ahead of Thursday’s hearing, Robinson was seen smiling and engaging in friendly chat with his attorneys, while wearing dress pants, a dress shirt and a necktie. Robinson’s smirking demeanor reflected a total disregard for any sense of remorse or regret, despite that he has been charged with assassinating the most conservative voice in the country.
Robinson had shackles around his waist and feet, but his hands were free.
Conservatives on social media voiced their outrage over Robinson’s smiling demeanor.
“He is smiling and laughing. Demonic. Evil. Sick. Make it quick,” podcaster Benny Johnson wrote in fury.
“Tyler Robinson seen smiling and laughing while talking to his head lawyer in court shows what a sociopathic piece of shit he is,” wrote X user Sara Rose.
“Make justice SWIFT,” declared journalist Eric Daugherty.
🚨 JUST IN: Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson is SMIRKING in court.
Truly angering just looking at the dude. Psycho.
“This is the first time we are physically seeing Tyler Robinson in court.”
Make justice SWIFT. pic.twitter.com/99VAk6oSeL
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 11, 2025
News Nation correspondent Brian Entin shared live updates on X, first announcing that he was 10th in line to get into the room, and said only the first 75 people would be allowed to enter.
Entin said there were SWAT officers inside the courtroom.
At the beginning of the hearing, Judge Graf allowed cameras and the media into the courtroom, but then sent them out in order for both sides to discuss a recording from October 14, on which portions of the sealed recording and transcripts should remain sealed and which should be opened.
The defense attorney asked the judge to allow Robinson’s parents and brother to remain in the room, but the judge firmly declined, sending them out with the rest of the public.
“After I have heard argument, we will invite all parties, the public, and the media, to come back in and the hearing will resume transmission,” the judge promised.
Judge in Tyler Robinson hearing says “After I have heard argument, we will invite all parties, the public, and the media, to come back in and the hearing will resume transmission” pic.twitter.com/fuZJCmrtbP
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) December 11, 2025
“When all the press and public were told to leave the Tyler Robinson courtroom, the defense asked the judge if his parents could stay. The judge said no. His mom was crying and now they are out in the hallway with the rest of us,” Entin announced on X.
When all the press and public were told to leave the Tyler Robinson courtroom, the defense asked the judge if his parents could stay.
The judge said no. His mom was crying and now they are out in the hallway with the rest of us.— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) December 11, 2025
“For people commenting on Tyler Robinson smiling while talking with his attorney on video before court started – this can sometimes be a defense tactic to humanize defendants when they know the cameras are rolling and potential jurors could be watching,” Entin later added.
For people commenting on Tyler Robinson smiling while talking with his attorney on video before court started – this can sometimes be a defense tactic to humanize defendants when they know the cameras are rolling and potential jurors could be watching.
— Brian Entin (@BrianEntin) December 11, 2025
WATCH video of the court proceedings in the video below. This is a developing story and will be updated.
The live feed is expected to reopen to the public shortly.
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