- Human Events Media Group wrote a letter urging the judge to keep the trial for Tyler Robinson public on Wednesday.
- Fourth District Judge Tony Graf already allowed Robinson to wear civilian clothing, but struck his request for no restraints.
PROVO — Human Events Media Group has asked the judge presiding over conservative activist Charlie Kirk's murder case to ensure the trial remains open to the public and the press.
Tyler Robinson, charged in the shooting death of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, has appeared once remotely with the camera on from the Utah County Jail.
His defense filed a motion on Oct. 22, asking 4th District Judge Tony Graf to restrict media coverage during the trial, prohibiting further photography and video coverage of any proceedings. They also asked Graf to allow Robinson to appear before court in civilian clothing, unrestrained.
On Monday, Graf granted Robinson's request to wear civilian clothing but struck his request to appear without restraints.
Graf also granted a media restriction prohibiting the media from recording Robinson's restraints or him entering or exiting the court room.
"Mr. Robinson shall be dressed as one presumed innocent," Graf said.
Robinson had a court hearing scheduled for Thursday but it was postponed until Jan. 16.
In the letter, Human Events said Robinson's trial should be conducted in the same way Kirk was killed — in public.
"Kirk did not get to decide whether or not his murder would be livestreamed, only his assassin had a say in that. Kirk's life was public, his execution was public, and the trial of the suspect in his murder should be open to the public as well," the Human Events letter concluded.
On the other hand, Robinson's defense argues Robinson's right to innocence until proven guilty should prevent the media from being too involved.
"Because of the extraordinary nature of this capital case and the need to ensure a fair and impartial jury that may ultimately decide whether he lives or dies, Mr. Robinson agrees with the sheriff that the court should limit media coverage, or video and photographic coverage, at the least, so defendant's physical appearance is no longer the subject of interest and he has some chance of securing a fair and impartial jury," their motion stated on Oct. 22.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray is pursuing the death penalty in the case.
Kirk was shot and killed during a "Prove Me Wrong" debate at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk from the roof of the Losee Center, a building next to the grassy amphitheater at UVU where Kirk was interacting with 3,000 students and visitors. He was apprehended on Sept. 12.
Correction: An earlier version incorrectly indicated that a preliminary hearing had been scheduled for Thursday and postponed until Jan. 16. Those are hearing dates, but no preliminary hearing has been scheduled.
