Charlie Kirk’s accused killer kept in special housing, under suicide watch

The man charged with assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk is being held under tight watch at a Utah jail, even after a mental health evaluation was completed, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Tyler Robinson, 22, remains inside a “special housing unit” at the Utah County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Ray Ormond told The National News Desk that Robinson has already been seen by medical and mental health staff but would not share details, citing privacy rules. “Robinson will stay in our special housing unit for the time being, which does include still being under a special watch. This is not an indefinite thing and can change down the road,” Ormond said. 

Robinson’s placement in the unit came after reports that he told his father he’d rather kill himself than be taken alive following Kirk’s shooting. When he made his first virtual court appearance, and in booking photos, Robinson was wearing a “suicide smock.” Ormond explained that everyone housed in that unit wears the prevention garment.

According to the US Department of Justice, special housing units are used to separate inmates from the general population for safety and security reasons. Inmates may be held alone or paired with others.

Robinson surrendered peacefully on Sept. 11, a day after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said Robinson appeared “quiet and somber” as he arrived with his parents to turn himself in. “He didn’t want a big SWAT team at his parent’s house or his apartment. He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement,” Brooksby noted.

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with capital murder and confirmed they will pursue the death penalty. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray described Kirk’s assassination as “an American tragedy.”