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Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering conservative Charlie Kirk, shows a smile during a hearing in Provo, Utah, on Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan-Pool / Getty Images)

Tyler Robinson Accused of Sending 'Mocking' Message with His Choice of Tie in First Court Appearance

By Randy DeSoto December 12, 2025 at 11:51am

Tyler Robinson — the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk — made his first court appearance in person on Thursday, and his clothing choice drew attention on social media.

The colors of the plaid tie he wore matched those of the transgender flag.

Robinson reportedly was in a relationship with his transgender roommate, Lance Twiggs.

Following the Sept. 10 shooting of Kirk at a Utah Valley University Turning Point USA event, Robinson texted Twiggs that he shot the conservative leader because, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” according to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray.

🚨 CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON, on why he took out Charlie Kirk, speaking to transgender boyfriend: “I had enough of his HATRED. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” pic.twitter.com/CSbetzpmII

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 16, 2025

“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,” Robinson wrote.

Several responded on social media to Robinson’s tie choice for his courtroom appearance.

“Tyler Robinson is mocking half the country. Look at the colors of the tie he explicitly chose. A nod to his transgender bf?” one wrote.

Tyler Robinson is mocking half the country. Look at the colors of the tie he explicitly chose. A nod to his transgender bf? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7m0CEfNEN4

— Erikaaa (@ErikaC47) December 12, 2025

Another posted, “Charlie Kirks Assassin Tyler Robinson just so happened to pick the colors of the Trans Flag for his tie. But yea, keep telling me it’s not him. By the way, this is why he should not have been able to wear street clothes. This message is very clear.”

Charlie Kirks Assassin Tyler Robinson just so happened to pick the colors of the Trans Flag for his tie. But yea, keep telling me it’s not him.

By the way, this is why he should not have been able to wear street clothes. This message is very clear. pic.twitter.com/fXhLfFdHmj

— TheQuartering (@TheQuartering) December 12, 2025

And another added, “Tyler Robinson signaling in front of the judge with his color coordinating with the trans flag. He has zero regard for another human’s life. Throw them in there forever. Courtrooms aren’t fashion runways to show off your beliefs.”

Tyler Robinson signaling in front of the judge with his color coordinating with the trans flag.

He has zero regard for another human’s life. Throw them in there forever.

Courtrooms aren’t fashion runways to show off your beliefs. pic.twitter.com/9iiFyyMuj3

— Steven Latham (@wienerdogwifi) December 12, 2025

Robinson also appeared to smirk during the hearing, which was focused on whether cameras would be allowed in the criminal trial when it occurs.

“The most chilling aspect for many people watching this trial is likely to be the demeanor of the defendant,” legal expert Jonathan Turley told Fox News on Thursday.

BREAKING: Accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson seen smirking as he makes his first in-person court appearance. | @AmericaRpts pic.twitter.com/0rUxFWvDmt

— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 11, 2025

“People who are responsible for these types of heinous crimes often do have this detachment from the gravity of what they’re accused of doing. You don’t commit crimes like this if you are weighted down heavily with the moral implications, at least in most cases,” he added.

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, told Fox News on Thursday that she wants cameras in the courtroom during the trial.

ERIKA KIRK ON HAVING CAMERAS IN THE COURTROOM

“I believe we strongly need to have cameras in the courtroom…My husband was murdered” pic.twitter.com/REt549XguB

— The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow) December 11, 2025

“This was a murder case. My husband was murdered; he did not die in a car accident,” she said. “I ask every day all different types of questions because I want nothing more than justice.”

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Tags:

Charlie Kirk, Court, Murder, U.S. News

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars