Accused Charlie Kirk killer makes first in-person court appearance

"The 22-year-old Utah man charged with killing Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday as his attorneys push to further limit media access in the high-profile criminal case. A Utah judge is weighing the public's right to know details in the prosecution of Tyler Robinson against his attorneys' concerns that the swarm of media attention could interfere with his right to a fair trial."

"Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder in the 10 September shooting of the far-right activist on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, just a few miles north of the Provo courthouse. They plan to seek the death penalty. Robinson arrived in court with restraints on his wrists and ankles and wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks. He smiled at family members sitting in the front row of the courtroom, where his mother teared up and wiped her eyes with a tissue."

"Graf held a closed hearing on 24 Octember in which attorneys discussed Robinson's courtroom attire and security protocols. Under a subsequent ruling by the judge, Robinson is allowed to wear street clothes in court during his pretrial hearings but must be physically restrained due to security concerns. Graf also prohibited media from filming or photographing Robinson's restraints after his attorneys argued widespread images of him shackled and in jail clothing could prejudice future jurors."

Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of far-right activist Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. Robinson made his first in-person court appearance wearing dress clothes and with restraints on his wrists and ankles, while family members attended. Defense attorneys and the Utah county sheriff's office have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban courtroom cameras, citing concerns that intense media attention could compromise Robinson's right to a fair trial. A coalition of national and local news organizations, including the Associated Press, is fighting to preserve media access. Graf has limited media from photographing restraints and allowed street clothes during pretrial hearings while weighing broader access rules.

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