The man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, is expected to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.
At the hearing, 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf is expected to weigh the public’s right to know details from the case. Robinson’s attorneys argue that elevated media attention could interfere with the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Robinson’s legal team and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office are requesting the judge ban cameras in the courtroom.
Deseret News, KSL and others are asking Graf to preserve media access in the case. Graf has already granted the defense’s request to allow Robinson to wear civilian clothing in the courtroom.
Thursday marks Robinson’s first in-person appearance for a hearing open to the public in Utah’s 4th District Court. Previously, he had joined via video or audio from the Utah County Jail.
The judge previously ruled that to allow Robinson “personal dignity” and to maintain the presumption of innocence, media personnel will not be allowed to record Robinson’s restraints or him entering or exiting the court room.
Robinson is charged with seven felony charges and one class A misdemeanor. Utah is pursuing the death penalty in the case.
His charges include:
- 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 of 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.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said this was Robinson’s first in-person court appearance. He previously appeared in-person in a hearing closed to the public.