NEW: Judge Makes New Ruling In Trial Of Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin

A judge overseeing the capital murder case against Tyler Robinson, the accused assassin of conservative icon Charlie Kirk, issued a key ruling on the presence of cameras in the courtroom after weeks of back-and-forth.

Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom for the April 17 hearing in the case against Robinson, 22. That hearing will address whether media access, including TV cameras, microphones, and photographers, should extend to future pretrial stages.

“In balance, the defendant has not provided a sufficient basis for the court to find that the interests favoring closure outweigh the interest favoring an open proceeding and the presumptive right to access,” Judge Graf said during Friday’s hearing. He further noted that while the April 17 hearing would generally be open, portions might be closed to protect privacy and safety concerns.

The defense was granted until March 30, 2026, to file a redacted version of their motion to exclude cameras, allowing for potential arguments on specific closures.

Tyler Robinson allegedly admitted to the killing in texts with his transgender romantic partner

Friday’s ruling referenced U.S. Supreme Court precedent from the 1981 case Chandler v. Florida, which held that the presence of cameras is not inherently prejudicial to a defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Graf’s contended that the decision balanced public access with defendants’ rights and ultimately rejected the defense’s claims that media coverage could prejudice potential jurors in this high-profile case.

Tyler Robinson faces capital murder charges for the September 10, 2025, assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, citing the premeditated nature of the attack

The trial proceedings have been ongoing in Provo, Utah, with multiple pretrial hearings addressing evidentiary and procedural matters. On October 27, 2025, Judge Graf permitted Robinson to appear in civilian clothing during court appearances but required him to remain shackled for security reasons.

He also amended a decorum order to prohibit filming of Robinson entering or exiting the courtroom or capturing images of his restraints, aiming to avoid influencing potential jurors.

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