Human Events Media Group has asked the judge presiding over conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder case to ensure the trial remains open to the public and the press.
Tyler Robinson, charged in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has appeared once remotely with the camera on from the Utah County Jail.
His defense filed a motion on Oct. 22, asking 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf to restrict media coverage during the trial, prohibiting further photography and video coverage of any proceedings. They also asked Graf to allow Robinson to appear before court in civilian clothing, unrestrained.
On Monday, Graf granted Robinson’s request to wear civilian clothing but struck his request to appear without restraints.
Graf also granted a media restriction prohibiting the media from recording Robinson’s restraints or him entering or exiting the court room.
“Mr. Robinson shall be dressed as one presumed innocent,” Graf said, per previous reporting from the Deseret News.
Robinson’s preliminary hearing was scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed until Jan. 16. His arraignment will follow on Jan. 30.
In their letter, Human Events said Robinson’s trial should be conducted in the same way Kirk was killed — in public.
“Kirk did not get to decide whether or not his murder would be live streamed, only his assassin had a say in that. Kirk’s life was public, his execution was public, and the trial of the suspect in his murder should be open to the public as well,” the Human Events letter concluded.
On the other hand, Robinson’s defense argues Robinson’s right to innocence-until-proven-guilty should prevent the media from being too involved.
“Because of the extraordinary nature of this capital case and the need to ensure a fair and impartial jury that may ultimately decide whether he lives or dies, Mr. Robinson agrees with the sheriff that the court should limit media coverage, or video and photographic coverage, at the least, so defendant’s physical appearance is no longer the subject of interest and he has some chance of securing a fair and impartial jury,” their motion stated on Oct. 22.
What was Tyler Robinson charged with?
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is pursuing the death penalty for the following seven charges:
- Count 1: Aggravated murder, a capital felony, that the defendant intentionally or knowingly caused the death of Charlie Kirk.
- Count 2: Discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, a first degree felony. The defendant targeted Charlie Kirk because of political motives, knowing children would be present.
- Count 3: Obstruction of justice, a second degree felony, for moving firearm used in a crime.
- Count 4: Obstruction of justice, a second degree felony, for disposing clothing he wore during the shooting.
- Count 5: Witness tampering, a third degree felony, directing his roommate to delete his texts.
- Count 6: Witness tampering, a third degree felony, for directing his roommate to stay silent.
- Count 7: Violent offense in the presence of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
Kirk was shot and killed during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Robinson allegedly shot Kirk from the roof of the Losee Center, a building next to the grassy amphitheater at UVU where Kirk was interacting with 3,000 students and visitors. He was apprehended on Sept. 12.