Tyler Robinson faces aggravated murder charges while the media coalition pushes for access to sealed proceedings.
By Catholics for Catholics
With a calm demeanor and chuckling with his lawyers, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk appeared in court Thursday.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was fetched into the Provo courtroom donning an unassuming blue button down and tie, as his attorneys prepared to contend that the media shouldn’t be allowed to film his hearings by claiming they could potentially taint a jury. It was the first time he showed up in person in a Utah court, with his family present.
According to a story by Fox News, a Utah judge is evaluating the public’s right to know particulars in the prosecution of Robinson against his attorneys’ worries that the swarm of media attention could interfere with his right to a fair trial.
Robinson’s legal team and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras in the courtroom.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to seek the death penalty.
Kirk — a father of two credited with bringing together and inspiring young conservatives — was struck once in the neck while the crowd, aghast, looked on in a scene that traumatized the country as videos of the murder from several angles bounced around the internet. Kirk was allegedly considering becoming Catholic and had a religious medal around his neck when he was slain.
BREAKING: Tyler Robinson seen smiling in first in-court appearance since being arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk pic.twitter.com/hUUkKQgPCN
— Human Events Daily (@humaneventslive) December 11, 2025
Since Robinson’s arrest, much of the case has taken place behind closed doors, inducing a coalition of media organizations, including Fox News, to request greater transparency. Several members of Robinson’s family, including his parents, were seen at the hearing.
The media coalition requested that prosecutors and defense attorneys be required to give advance notice whenever they seek to seal filings or restrict public access so that those limits can be challenged before taking effect.
The New York Post reported that authorities increased security measures at the Utah County Court on Thursday ahead of Robinson’s hearing, with armed security, only one way in and out for members of the public. The main entrance to the courthouse was zip-tied shut.
A Utah County Sheriff’s Office armored SWAT vehicle arrived at the courthouse ahead of the hearing, with several law enforcement vehicles.
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