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 the judge considered how much media access should be allowed in the closely watched case.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is facing several charges, including aggravated murder, and could receive the death penalty if found guilty. He is yet to enter a plea.
His lawyers and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office had asked the court to block cameras, saying wide news coverage could affect his right to a fair trial.
The request was opposed by Kirk’s widow and a group of national and local news outlets, who argued that the case required full public visibility. The judge agreed to allow cameras in the courtroom.
Robinson surrendered to authorities after a long manhunt following the shooting at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
Officials say he confessed the killing to his father, who recognised him after police released images and convinced him to give himself up.
During the appearance on Thursday, Robinson had restraints on his wrists and ankles. He came dressed in a shirt, tie and trousers, and smiled at relatives seated at the front of the courtroom. His mother, father and brother were present.
A coalition of media organisations is pushing for continued access and has asked the court to release a recording and transcript of a hearing held behind closed doors in October. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has also urged the court to open the process, saying on Fox News last month that “we deserve to have cameras in there”.
Part of Thursday’s session involved reviewing the audio recording and transcript from the closed October proceeding. The judge has not yet made a final decision on whether they will be released. Another part of the hearing was streamed online.
“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. He explained that although he had planned to give rulings on Thursday, he was moving them to 29 December because he preferred to “do it right and take more time, than be rash and miss the mark”. He added, “I need to be narrow in my approach, it is an important issue. I plan to do that.”
The judge did issue a publicity order, stopping attorneys on both sides from making statements outside the courtroom. He also kept an earlier directive that the defendant may wear regular clothing during preliminary hearings but must remain in restraints. Photos and video showing the restraints are forbidden.
Robinson is set to return to court for another in-person appearance on 16 January.
