The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah campus in September appeared in court in person for the first time on Thursday, as a judge weighed how much media access should be allowed in the high-profile case.
Attorneys representing 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, along with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, asked the court to prohibit cameras, arguing that extensive news coverage could jeopardise the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Kirk’s widow and a coalition of national and local media organisations pushed back, calling for transparency. The judge ultimately ruled on Thursday that cameras would be permitted in the courtroom.
The defendant faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and could receive the death penalty if convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.
Robinson surrendered to authorities following a large-scale manhunt after Kirk was shot at an open-air event held at Utah Valley University.
According to officials, the defendant confessed to the killing to his father, who recognised him from images released by law enforcement and later persuaded him to turn himself in.
On Thursday, Robinson arrived in court wearing restraints on his wrists and ankles.
He was dressed in a shirt, tie and trousers, and smiled at family members seated in the front row. His mother, father and brother were present in the courtroom.
A coalition of national and local media organisations has continued to argue for public access to the proceedings, citing the importance of transparency in the judicial process.
The group is also seeking the release of an audio recording and transcript from an October hearing related to the case.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has been actively countering conspiracy theories surrounding her husband’s death, has also called for openness. Speaking on Fox News last month, she said “we deserve to have cameras in there”.
Part of Thursday’s hearing focused on reviewing an audio recording and transcript from an October proceeding that had been closed to the public. The judge said he is still considering whether those materials should be released.
Another portion of the hearing was livestreamed online for public viewing.
“I need to hear what should or should not be sealed or protected and it would not benefit to have everyone listen to what should be sealed,” Judge Tony Graf said.
Judge Graf initially planned to issue rulings on Thursday but postponed a decision until 29 December, saying he would rather “do it right and take more time, than be rash and miss the mark”.
“I need to be narrow in my approach, it is an important issue. I plan to do that,” he said.
The judge did issue a publicity order, however, barring attorneys on both sides from making extrajudicial statements about the case.
In October, the court allowed the defendant to wear civilian clothing during pre-trial hearings to avoid prejudicing potential jurors, while still requiring restraints to be worn.
Photographs or video showing the defendant in restraints are not permitted.
Robinson is scheduled to make his next in-person court appearance on 16 January.
