Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his long-awaited first in-person appearance before a Utah County judge this week.
According to a lip-reading analysis cited by the New York Post, during Robinson’s hearing he appeared to whisper disturbing details about his state of mind, saying he thinks about the shooting of Kirk “every day.”
Robinson reportedly told his attorney in whispered moments before the hearing began. “I think about the shooting daily … every morning … all the time.”
The analysis also suggests he referenced Kirk’s widow in a seemingly detached way, quipping, “So, he had a wife…,” while also remarking about his own mental state, saying he has been “smoking a lot … not sleeping at night
… it’s driving me mental.”
The lip-reading analysis was done by deaf professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, according to the outlet.
Hickling is a “Forensic Lip Reading Expert & Analyst” at LipReader and has over 20 years of experience. “I’m Nicola Hickling, a profoundly deaf professional Lip Reader trusted by journalists, PR agencies, regulators, and legal professionals to uncover the words spoken off mic,” her website states.
Robinson sat before Judge Tony Graf Jr. in civilian clothing, facing multiple severe charges that include aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and other counts connected with the September 10 killing of Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
This was the first hearing with Robinson’s rare in-person appearance, where his calm demeanor, reportedly included moments of laughter or smirking.
Robinson has been held without bail since his arrest in mid-September 2025, following the release of surveillance footage. His parents reportedly identified him in the footage and convinced him to turn himself in.
Prosecutors have filed seven charges against Robinson, including aggravated murder—the only charge in Utah that carries the possibility of the death penalty. They allege that Robinson intentionally or knowingly caused Kirk’s death in a way that also put others at the event at serious risk.
Much of Thursday’s hearing focused on whether to release the audio recording and transcript of an October court session that was closed to the public. A coalition of news organisations is demanding its release in the interest of transparency.
Judge Tony Graf, however, said he must carefully determine what information should remain sealed.
He issued a publicity order restricting lawyers on both sides from making extrajudicial statements to the media.
Robinson’s next in-person court appearance is scheduled for 16 January.
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