Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing Christian political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, appeared remotely in a Provo, Utah, court on Monday. He faces aggravated murder charges, among multiple others. Prosecutors plan to press for the death penalty.
Robinson and his attorney opted for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence for trial. The accused did not enter a plea at the hearing.
Kathryn Nester, the lead attorney appointed to Robinson, said she could not “give a reasonable expectation” of when the defense would be ready to do the preliminary hearing. Robinson’s next appearance in court is scheduled for October 30th.
While Monday’s hearing was open to the public, prosecutors discussed a gag order entered by District Court Judge Tony Graf in the case, forbidding anyone associated with the case to speak with the news media. The judge said as witnesses become known, they will be obligated to abide by the gag order.
Kirk’s assassination has sparked grief and mobilized Republican leaders to continue his work with Turning Point USA. U.S, president Trump called Kirk a “martyr” and vowed action against the “radical left.”
