Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, made his first court appearance on September 16, 2025, appearing virtually from Utah County Jail for a short hearing before Judge Tony Graf.

At a press conference the next day, Sheriff Nate Brooksby revealed that Robinson’s surrender was carefully negotiated. “He was truly fearful of being shot by law enforcement,” Brooksby said, explaining that Robinson wanted no SWAT involvement or violent confrontation. Instead, he asked for a peaceful, calm, and “comfortable transition into custody.”

Brooksby agreed, saying, “If at the end of the day we accomplish him surrendering peacefully on his own, I’m going to make some concessions to make that happen.” The sheriff described the experience as a “double shock,” especially since he and Robinson had attended the same high school.

A key condition was that Robinson’s parents be present when he turned himself in. “That was part of the negotiation to get him here, that the parents would be with him when he arrived,” Brooksby confirmed.

Once in custody, Robinson was treated “very civilly, humanely.” He was not handcuffed, given water, and sat quietly on a couch while waiting for investigators.