image source, Getty Images
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- Author, Nardine Saad
- Author title, BBCNews
The young man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah campus last September made his first in-person court appearance Thursday as a judge deliberated on the extent of media access to the high-profile case.
Lawyers for 22-year-old Tyler Robinson and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office had asked the judge to ban cameras in the courtroom, fearing media coverage could jeopardize a fair trial.
Kirk’s widow and a coalition of national and local media outlets pushed for transparency, and on Thursday a judge agreed to allow cameras in the courtroom.
The defendant faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and could be sentenced to death if convicted. He has not yet pleaded guilty or innocent.
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with shackles
Robinson turned himself in to authorities after an extensive search after Kirk was shot at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
The defendant confessed the crime to his father, who recognized him from the pictures released by authorities and ultimately persuaded him to turn himself in, authorities said.
On Thursday, the defendant came to court with his wrists and ankles shackled.
According to broadcaster CBS, a partner of the BBC in the United States, he wore a shirt, tie and trousers and smiled at his relatives who were sitting in the front row of the room. His mother, father and brother were present in court.
A coalition of national and local media outlets is trying to protect press access to the case and is advocating for transparency and public access.
They are pushing for the release of a recording and transcript of an October hearing on the case.
Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika, who fights conspiracy theories about her husband’s death, is also calling for transparency in the case. Last month he declared on Fox News: “We deserve to have cameras there.”
Part of Thursday’s hearing included reviewing an audio recording and transcript of an October hearing that took place behind closed doors. The judge is still considering this matter.
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Confidentiality order
Another portion of the hearing was streamed online for the public to watch.
“I need to hear what information should be kept secret or protected and what should not be, and it would be unwise for everyone to hear what should be confidential,” Judge Tony Graf said.
He was originally scheduled to deliver his verdict on Thursday, but postponed it until December 29 because he prefers to “do it right and take more time rather than act hastily and make a mistake.”
“I have to proceed precisely, it is an important matter. That is what I intend to do,” explained Judge Graf.
However, he issued a confidentiality order in the case that prohibited lawyers for both sides from making any statements outside of court.
In October, the judge allowed the defendant to wear civilian clothing during preliminary hearings to avoid influencing potential jurors, but required him to wear ankle bracelets during hearings.
No photos or videos of him with restraints on are allowed.
The defendant must appear in person at the next hearing, which will take place on January 16th.
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