The man accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk appeared in court in person for the first time on Thursday, as a Utah judge weighed whether to further restrict cameras and press coverage in one of the state’s most closely watched criminal cases.
Tyler Robinson, 22, entered the Fourth District Court dressed in a light blue shirt, striped tie, and khaki pants. Despite the civilian attire allowed by the court to preserve the presumption of innocence, he remained restrained in shackles – though filming them has been prohibited under previous rulings by Judge Tony Graf.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and six additional counts, including felony firearm use, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors have signaled they intend to pursue the death penalty.
Debate Over Media Access
Thursday’s hearing focused heavily on the defense request to remove cameras from the courtroom entirely. Judge Graf briefly closed the proceedings for more than two hours as he reviewed concerns about publicity, including viral edited images of Robinson and high-profile comments from public figures.
The temporary closure came after the court sanctioned a designated media operator for violating decorum rules by briefly recording the defendant’s restraints, confidential discussion at the defense table, and documents meant to remain private.
A coalition of news organizations is pushing back against limits on coverage, arguing that transparency is essential. Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk and acting as the court-approved victim representative, has also urged the judge to keep cameras in place to combat misinformation surrounding the case.
A ruling on the camera request is expected later Thursday, with a more detailed hearing scheduled for January.
The Shooting and Investigation
Kirk, 31, known nationally as a co-founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal ally of President Donald Trump, was shot on September 10 while addressing an outdoor audience at Utah Valley University in Orem. Investigators say a single rifle round was fired from a rooftop roughly four miles from Thursday’s courtroom.
Robinson surrendered to authorities in Washington County the following day after his parents recognized him in surveillance images released by police. Charging documents describe DNA evidence linking Robinson to a bolt-action rifle, a towel, a spent casing, and unused cartridges found near the alleged firing location. Some of the ammunition reportedly carried engravings referencing popular internet memes and video games.
Prosecutors also highlighted text messages Robinson sent to a roommate and romantic partner – identified in the filing as a biological male who was transitioning – in which he appeared to acknowledge the shooting, writing that he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.”
Family members told investigators that Robinson had become increasingly political and outspoken on LGBTQ+ issues in the months before the attack.
Next Steps in the Case
Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2026, and is expected to span three days.
His parents and brother attended Thursday’s appearance as the court continues working through how to manage public access to a case drawing nationwide scrutiny.
