Tyler Robinson, alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk, appears in court for the first time, state officially files intent to seek death penalty

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk, was formally charged with aggravated murder earlier today, and he also had his first appearance in court today.

Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder (a Capital felony) with the victim targeting enhancement and violent offense committed in the presence of a child aggravating factor, and this charge can carry the death penalty.

This court appearance was virtual, and Robinson appeared remotely. In court, the prosecution said that they filed their intent to seek the death penalty a few minutes before the hearing began.

Robinson’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 29, and it will also be a virtual hearing. Robinson does not have an attorney assigned to him yet, but attorney Greg Skordas said that by the next court date, he will have one.

Utah County District Attorney Jeff Gray held a news conference earlier today to announce the formal charges against Robinson in connection with the fatal shooting of Kirk that occurred last week at Utah Valley University.

Robinson has also been charged with first-degree felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury with the same enhancement and aggravating factor, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of tampering with a witness, and one count of a violent offense committed in the presence of a child (a Class A misdemeanor) with the victim targeting enhancement.

Today, DA Gray filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty for the first count against Robinson, aggravated murder. “The decision to seek the death penalty is based on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime,” the notice reads.

Robinson is being held in the Utah County Jail without bail.

Robinson was arrested on the evening September 11 in Washington County, Utah after he allegedly confessed to a family member that he had killed Kirk.

Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and the creator of Turning Point USA. He was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at an event on Utah Valley University campus.