Lawyers representing the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are petitioning a Utah judge to permit him to attend court in civilian clothes and without restraints. They contend that extensive media coverage and public discourse have already compromised his right to a fair trial.
In a comprehensive 20-page motion filed on October 22, Tyler Robinson’s defense team referred to the situation as a “content tornado.” They described it as a whirlwind of social media commentary, speculation, and viral content, warning that any new images of Robinson in jail attire could severely prejudice potential jurors.
Fox News has verified that Judge Tony Graf has approved a motion from the state and the Utah County Sheriff to keep their response confidential. As a result, the public cannot view the state’s answer to Robinson’s request on the court’s docket.
The prosecution’s submission reportedly includes details from the court’s security director, Chris Palmer, about specific security protocols for Robinson’s case within the courthouse.
There are booking photos of Tyler Robinson, 22, who is accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Utah. (Utah Gov. Spencer Cox)
A closed hearing was listed on the docket Friday morning. Although there are no public details provided, multiple sources confirmed to Fox News that it pertains to the defense’s request for Robinson to appear without shackles and in civilian attire during all in-person court appearances.
The hearing was to be closed because it was going to cover security protocols specific to Robinson and the courthouse, sources confirmed. Graf is expected to make a decision on Robinson’s request to appear unshackled and in civilian clothing after a “ruling hearing” on Monday.
Utah County prosecutors Jeffrey S. Gray and Ryan McBride outside of Utah County District Court in Provo, Utah on Friday, October 24, 2025. Gray and McBride are prosecuting Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Alec Thornock for Fox News Digital)
The next open hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 30 at 10 a.m., when Robinson is expected to appear in person.
Attorney Kathryn Nester outside of Utah County District Court in Provo, Utah on Friday, October 24, 2025. Nester is representing Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Alec Thornock for Fox News Digital)
The defense cites extensive coverage of Robinson’s early court appearances, including televised footage showing him in what appeared to be a bullet-proof or suicide vest during his first hearing.
The motion also lists statements from public officials including President Donald Trump, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, and federal law enforcement leaders, who publicly discussed the investigation and expressed opinions about Robinson’s guilt and the possible death penalty.
According to the filing, Trump declared soon after Robinson’s arrest that authorities had caught the suspect “with a high degree of certainty” and added, “I hope he gets the death penalty.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk, as investigators circulate images of the suspect. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images; FBI)
That same day, the motion notes, Cox opened a press conference “dramatically” by proclaiming, “We got him,” before outlining details of the ongoing investigation.
Defense lawyers argue that such public remarks, coupled with repeated broadcast images of Robinson in custody, have “polluted the waters of justice” and risk creating irreversible bias among potential jurors.
The filing relies heavily on Deck v. Missouri (2005), a U.S. Supreme Court decision restricting the use of restraints in court unless there is a specific, case-by-case security justification. The attorneys say that right extends beyond jury trials to any public court appearance, including pretrial hearings, given the constant livestreaming and online sharing of court footage.
Tyler Robinson appears virtually in Utah court on Sept. 16, 2025, to face charges in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Utah State Courts)
The team also challenges the Utah County Sheriff’s position that standard security policies apply automatically in high-profile cases, calling such policies unconstitutional without individualized findings.
Prosecutors and the sheriff’s office have suggested that Robinson could appear remotely to avoid public exposure. The defense counters that forcing remote appearances would violate Robinson’s right to be present in person for all stages of his capital prosecution, noting that the law doesn’t require a defendant to choose between personal attendance and the appearance of innocence.
While objecting to restraints, Robinson’s attorneys agree with the sheriff that the court should limit or ban video and photographic coverage of proceedings. They argue that televised imagery contributes to sensationalism and undermines the ability to seat an impartial jury.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
