A Utah judge ruled Monday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, may appear in court wearing street clothes but must remain physically restrained due to security concerns. Fourth District Judge Tony Graf also prohibited media outlets from photographing or filming Robinson’s shackles or capturing images of him entering or leaving the courtroom, though he declined to issue a full ban on cameras.
The case, which has drawn extraordinary national attention, stems from the September 10 shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk for political reasons, citing text messages and DNA evidence. They plan to seek the death penalty if he is convicted of aggravated murder.
Robinson’s defense argued that extensive media coverage and images of him restrained could prejudice potential jurors. Judge Graf said his partial restrictions balance Robinson’s right to a fair trial with the public’s right to access.
First Amendment attorney Jeff Hunt said Utah law strongly favors open courtrooms, adding that camera bans “set a high bar.” Robinson’s next hearings are scheduled for January 16 and January 30.
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