Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in court for the first time following the accusations of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The charges against Robinson include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstructing justice. During the court session, Robinson remained silent and wore a suicide prevention vest. He is currently held without bail as the prosecution plans to seek the death penalty against him.

Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was fatally shot on September 10 during an event at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors allege that Robinson shot Kirk with a rifle from a nearby building while Kirk was addressing students. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, aimed to engage young conservative evangelical Christians in politics and had close ties with former President Donald Trump.

Robinson turned himself in to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office last week, accompanied by his parents, after his mother identified him from a surveillance photo. Utah County attorney Jeff Gray disclosed chilling text messages between Robinson and his roommate, revealing Robinson’s confession of the shooting due to his discontent with Kirk’s views.

The ammunition used to kill Kirk had engraved messages with anti-fascist language, which may have been intended as trolling. Governor Spencer Cox suggested that Robinson may have been radicalized online and harbored a dislike for Kirk. The court hearing is set for September 29.