...
By Gabe Whisnant
News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man accused of killing conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance Thursday as his attorneys sought to further restrict media access in the closely watched case.
Robinson, who previously appeared only by audio or video feed from jail, entered the courtroom wearing a dress shirt, tie and slacks, with restraints on his wrists and ankles. The Associated Press reported that he smiled toward family members seated in the front row. His mother wiped away tears as his father and brother sat beside her. Closed circuit video from the courtroom also shows Robinson smiling and laughing while commenting to one of his attorneys.
A state judge is weighing the public’s right to transparency against concerns from Robinson’s defense team that intense media scrutiny could jeopardize his ability to receive a fair trial.
Read More on News
...
Who is Tyler Robinson and What Is He Being Charged With?
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, just north of Provo. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
His attorneys, joined by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, have asked Judge Tony Graf to ban cameras from future hearings. A coalition of national and local news organizations, including The Associated Press, is opposing the request and pressing for continued access.
Graf has acknowledged that the case has drawn “extraordinary” national attention and has already taken steps to balance competing concerns. In an October 24 closed hearing, he considered issues involving Robinson’s courtroom attire and security protocols. Under a subsequent order, Robinson is permitted to wear street clothes in pretrial hearings but must remain physically restrained. Graf also barred media outlets from filming or photographing those restraints after defense attorneys argued that widespread images of Robinson in shackles or jail clothing could prejudice prospective jurors.
Robinson’s legal team has also pointed to the politicized environment surrounding the case, noting that public commentary has extended as far as the White House. Shortly after Robinson’s arrest, President Donald Trump said, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him,” adding, “I hope he gets the death penalty.”
Defense attorney Kathy Nester has argued that inaccurate depictions of Robinson already circulating online—including digitally altered photos showing him crying or behaving disruptively in court—demonstrate the risks of expanded media access and the spread of misinformation that could taint a jury pool.
...
Media groups counter that limits on coverage threaten the public’s longstanding right to observe criminal proceedings. Michael Judd, representing the coalition, has asked the judge to allow news organizations to be heard on any future motions for closed hearings or other restrictions. In court filings, he argued that openness “safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” and supports confidence in the justice system.
Utah courts already impose restrictions on cameras, often allowing only one still photographer and one videographer to document proceedings and share their work with all outlets. Reporters are generally permitted to attend to listen and take notes, along with members of the public.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency. “We deserve to have cameras in there,” she said.
Judge Graf has not yet ruled on the latest requests regarding cameras or additional limits on access.
Tyler Robinson's Family Appears in Court With Him
Robinson’s family attended his first in-person court appearance, taking seats in the front row as the 22-year-old entered the courtroom. His mother grew emotional during the hearing, wiping away tears as Robinson smiled briefly in her direction. His father and brother sat beside her.
Where Is Charlie Kirk Buried?
Authorities and family members have not publicly disclosed burial arrangements for Kirk. No cemetery location or memorial details have been confirmed, and public records reflect no formally announced interment site. In high-profile cases, families sometimes delay or withhold burial information to protect privacy amid heightened media attention, and Kirk’s family has requested space as legal proceedings move forward. If burial details are later released, they are expected to come through official family statements.
Updates: 12/11/25, 5:37 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Correction, 05/27/26, 4:48 a.m. ET: A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to Donald Trump as “former president.” He was president at the time in question. The article has been updated.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines