The man accused of assassinating conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk is asking a Utah judge for quite a strange request.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is currently behind bars and facing a potential death sentence for allegedly gunning down Kirk during a September 10 speaking event at Utah Valley University.
Though as he prepares for his court date, he requested something that he hopes will benefit him as the jury deliberates their decision.
Legal team invokes Bryan Kohberger’s courtroom privileges
Robinson is asking a Utah judge to let him ditch his orange jumpsuit and shackles.
He claims that being seen in jail attire could skew public opinion and sabotage his right to a fair trial.
“Given the pervasive media coverage in this case, the repeated and ubiquitous display of Mr. Robinson in jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest will undoubtedly be viewed by prospective jurors and will inevitably lead to prosecutive juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death,” his attorneys argued in a 21-page motion filed Thursday in Utah’s 4th District Court.
Robinson’s lawyers pointed to the treatment of Bryan Kohberger — who was granted permission to appear in civilian clothes and without handcuffs during his high-profile hearings for the brutal 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students — as a comparable case.
A footnote in the filing highlights that Kohberger was allowed to wear a suit during court appearances in his “highly publicized death penalty case,” an effort Robinson’s team says helped preserve the presumption of innocence.
“In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr. Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury,” the motion reads.
Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea, was last seen wearing a “suicide smock” during a virtual court appearance. He’s due back in court on October 30.
Inside the murder suspect’s chilling text confession
While his legal team works to shape his courtroom image, explosive details have emerged about what happened in the hours after the alleged shooting — including a chilling series of text messages Robinson reportedly sent to his partner, Lance Twiggs, allegedly confessing to the crime.
Prosecutors claim Robinson messaged Twiggs shortly after the killing, writing that he had left a note under a keyboard reading: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Twiggs, initially thinking Robinson was joking, responded with disbelief. Robinson allegedly replied, confirming that he had pulled the trigger.
The texts reportedly continued with explanations about the motive and method. Robinson told Twiggs he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred” and revealed he’d stashed the murder weapon — a rifle — in nearby bushes.
Robinson also expressed personal anxiety over his father’s potential reaction, texting that he was worried about not returning his grandfather’s gun, believed to be the weapon used.
Prosecutors weigh whether Robinson’s partner could face charges
Twiggs did not immediately report the confession to authorities, a fact now raising serious questions about possible legal consequences.
“You are all I worry about love,” Robinson reportedly wrote in one of the exchanges. Twiggs allegedly replied: “I’m much more worried about you.”
Though Twiggs is not currently facing any charges, legal experts say that could change if more details emerge.
Neama Rahmani, a former prosecutor, told the New York Post: “There is generally no duty to report a crime,” but noted that helping Robinson in any way could lead to charges such as being an accessory after the fact or obstruction of justice.
“If there is something we don’t know about — lying, hiding, or destroying [evidence] — then absolutely, Twiggs could face charges,” Rahmani said.