Court releases transcript from closed hearing for man accused of killing
Charlie Kirk
[December 30, 2025]
By MATTHEW BROWN and HANNAH SCHOENBAUM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a
transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man
charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court
proceedings.
State District Judge Tony Graf said public transparency was
“foundational” to the judicial system before ordering the release of
details from the Oct. 24 closed hearing. Attorneys for media outlets
including The Associated Press had argued for access because they said
it was also the first time defense attorneys suggested a ban on cameras
in the courtroom.
Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the
Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley
University campus in Orem. They plan to seek the death penalty. Robinson
has not yet entered a plea.
In a 97-page transcript released later Monday, attorneys for Robinson
argued that widespread videos and photos of him shackled and in jail
clothing could create bias against him among potential jurors. Defense
attorney Richard Novak said prohibiting cameras would be “very easy” for
the court to enforce and could help curb visual prejudice.
“We're not litigating this case in the press,” Novak said during the
Oct. 24 hearing.
The transcript contained limited redactions to remove discussions of
security protocols in the closely watched case. Graf also ordered the
release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.
Robinson was not present in court Monday and appeared via audio feed
from the Utah County Jail.
Graf has not ruled on the defense’s suggestion to ban cameras, but he
has implemented other limitations.
Days after the closed-door hearing, Graf ruled that Robinson could wear
civilian clothes in pretrial hearings but must also wear restraints to
ensure the safety of court staff and Robinson himself. Utah court rules
require defendants who are in custody to be restrained or supervised at
all times unless otherwise ordered.
[to top of second column]
|
Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf presides over a hearing for
Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk,
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Provo, Utah. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake
Tribune via AP, Pool, File)
Graf also prohibited media outlets from publishing photos, videos and
live broadcasts that show Robinson's restraints to help protect his
presumption of innocence before a trial.
The judge briefly stopped a media livestream of a hearing earlier this
month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said
the stream showed the defendant’s shackles. Graf said he would terminate
future broadcasts if there were further violations.
Lawyers for the media wrote in recent filings that an open court
“safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” while fostering
public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S.
have long been open to the public, which the attorneys argued is proof
that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters.
In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for
the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of
the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access
court records.
Still, Graf said the involved publications must be notified of future
requests to close hearings or restrict access to court filings.
Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a
preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18.
___
Brown reported from Billings, Montana.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
