Charlie Kirk, a Trump supporter and social activist, was shot to death in Utah on September 9 during his public appearance at a university. Sending the law enforcement into a frenzy, 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson was arrested for the crime.
He appeared before the Utah County Justice Court in Provo via video conferencing from his jail cell yesterday. Charged with Kirk’s murder, Robinson has also been placed on a suicide watch in jail. With authorities prepared for the worst-case scenario, they have also made him wear a special anti-suicide smock, to avoid him from taking that step.
What is an anti-suicide smock?
Anti-suicide smock or also called the ‘turtle suit’ or ‘suicide gown’, helps prevent suicide. It is a tear-resistant single-piece garment, commonly used in prisons and mental-health institutions to reduce the risk of hanging or self-harm. The anti-suicide smock is made with stiff, quilted material, has no cords or zippers, and can’t be folded into a noose. Since the fabric is thick and can’t be rolled or tied, the smock cannot be used to form a ligature.
What links Tyler Robinson to Kirk’s death?
The primary accused and arrested in Charlie Kirk’s murder, seven counts of charges were pressed against Tyler Robinson. The 22-year-old allegedly left a note confessing to the crime for his roommate to find. Caught after a 30-day manhunt, Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent crime when children are present.
Apart from the alleged note, texts were also found between Robinson and his roommate, which reportedly linked him to the crime. Known to have a romantic relationship, Robinson allegedly told his roommate why he killed Kirk. Furthermore, his father, as per the texts exchanged, was a “die-hard MAGA,” which led Robinson to act out in rebellion. Officials revealed that Robinson had also gotten a similar rifle as a gift, which matched the murder weapon. pon confrontation, Robinson allegedly threatened to take his own life instead of going to jail, according to the indictment. Hence, the close suicide watch and the special suit to prevent the scenario.