Charlie Kirk Assassination: Tyler Robinson’s first court appearance spurs fight over media access

The judge overseeing the proceedings, Tony Graf, is weighing the public’s interest in transparency against concerns from Robinson’s lawyers that intense media scrutiny could jeopardise his chances of a fair trial.

Robinson’s attorneys, along with the Utah County sheriff’s office, have asked Graf to bar cameras from the courtroom.

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of shooting and killing Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus on Sept. 10, appeared in person for the first time in court today.

He seemed oddly upbeat as he chatted with his attorneys while the death penalty case began.

Robinson’s… pic.twitter.com/btknnBMoV3

— Heidi Hatch KUTV (@tvheidihatch) December 11, 2025

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the 10 September shooting of the far-right activist at Utah Valley University in Orem, just north of Provo. They intend to pursue the death penalty.

Robinson entered the courtroom wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks, with restraints on his wrists and ankles. He smiled at relatives seated in the front row as his mother wiped tears from her face. His father and brother sat beside her.

Until now, Robinson had only appeared before the court via audio or video link from jail.

Media outlets resist efforts to restrict access to trial

A coalition of local and national news outlets, including the Associated Press, is opposing efforts to further restrict media access.

Graf has already taken steps to protect Robinson’s presumption of innocence, noting that public interest in the case has been “extraordinary.”

On 24 October, the judge held a closed hearing to discuss Robinson’s clothing and security arrangements. He later ruled that Robinson may wear regular clothing during pretrial hearings but must remain physically restrained for safety reasons. Graf also barred the media from photographing or recording Robinson’s restraints after defence attorneys argued that images of him shackled or in jail attire could bias potential jurors.

Michael Judd, representing the media coalition, has urged the court to allow news organisations to participate before any additional requests for closed proceedings or other restrictions are granted.

Media access to Utah court hearings is already limited, with judges typically allowing one photographer and one videographer to capture proceedings and share their work with other outlets. Other reporters and members of the public may attend to observe and take notes.

Charlie Kirk’s widow seeks transparency

In recent court filings, Judd argued that open proceedings help ensure the integrity of the judicial process and maintain public trust. He noted that criminal trials in the US have historically been open, demonstrating that fairness can be preserved without limiting journalists’ ability to keep the public informed.

Erika Kirk, the activist’s widow, has also pressed for transparency, saying, “We deserve to have cameras in there.” Her husband was a prominent supporter of Donald Trump and advocated conservative outreach to young voters.

Robinson’s lawyers say the case has attracted attention at the highest levels, pointing to comments from Trump shortly after the arrest, including: “With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” and, “I hope he gets the death penalty.”

Defence attorney Kathy Nester has also expressed worry that digitally altered versions of Robinson’s early court photo have circulated widely, falsely portraying him crying or having an emotional outburst—neither of which occurred.