Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, made his first virtual appearance before the court on Tuesday. Robinson, lodged in the Utah prison, spoke only his name and looked emotionless as he listened to District Judge Tony Graf, who read out the charges that include aggravated murder, discharging a firearm, and multiple other offences.
But, what caught everyone’s attention was not just his slightly dishevelled hair and unshaven look, but also the green sleeveless vest he sported. Robinson was seen wearing a ‘suicide smock’, a special clothing designed to prevent prisoners from taking their lives. According to court officials, the ‘suicide smock’ is normal for high-profile prisoners at the Utah County Security Centre.
Tyler Robinson does not seem even slightly remorseful in his first court appearance.
— Cryptid Politics 🇺🇸🐊 (@CryptidPolitics) September 16, 2025
Remember, this guy was a 4.0 GPA student.
He likely thinks he is smart enough to get off without the death penalty.
He’s wrong.
pic.twitter.com/63NV6T0aiB
Suicide smocks are heavy, quilted garments that can’t be used by the wearer to hang themselves. They are made from quilted nylon Cordura, an exceptionally tough material that’s approximately 10 times stronger than denim. They can't be torn, folded, or rolled into cords and are so bulky that they won’t even catch fire. If set alight, the flames burn out quickly, and the adjustable openings at the chest and shoulders are lined with Velcro rather than zippers or hard hooks and loops.
“If it’s made correctly, it can’t be torn, it can’t be wrapped up into a ligature,” Lindsay M Hayes, also an expert in suicide prevention in correctional facilities, told CNN in an earlier interview.
Also read
- What Tyler Robinson should wear in court? Charlie Kirk murder accused's lawyers say media scrutiny 'polluted the waters of justice'
- Tyler Robinson: How fair trial, pre-trial secrecy and jury pool could make or break Charlie Kirk murder case
- Tyler Robinson case to cost Utah THIS much? What lawyers say about Charlie Kirk killer
Tyler Robinson was seen sporting a green smock, and these usually come in both green and navy blue colours, which are considered soothing. These smocks are not manufactured in jarring colours like yellow or gold because the brightness could agitate the inmates and perhaps keep them up at night.
Interestingly, Tyler Robinson was not the only prisoner who was sporting one. Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old prisoner charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York, was seen wearing a similar blue vest in his booking photo last year.
