In Provo, Utah, the legal team representing the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk was in court on Tuesday, advocating for restrictions on media and public access during an upcoming hearing. Despite the judge’s refusal to exclude news cameras from the courtroom, the defense seeks to limit public exposure to certain proceedings and seal specific evidence.
Attorneys for Tyler Robinson argue that media coverage could distort his image and influence potential jurors. They are aiming to restrict parts of the preliminary hearing, set for July 6-10, where prosecutors must demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
This hearing is anticipated to be the most substantial presentation of evidence since the case began, with public access being a central issue over the past eight months.
During Tuesday’s session, the defense requested that the judge reprimand the prosecution for comments made by prosecutor Christopher Ballard outside the courtroom. Robinson’s lawyer, Richard Novak, claimed that Ballard’s public statements amounted to a “media tour” expressing opinions on Robinson’s guilt.
The prosecution defended Ballard’s actions, asserting that he was merely clarifying misinformation regarding an inconclusive ballistics report, which had sparked speculation about Robinson’s potential innocence. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride emphasized that Ballard did not express any personal opinion on the matter.
If convicted, Robinson, 23, faces a possible death penalty. He is charged with several offenses, including aggravated murder, for the killing of the conservative activist on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Robinson has yet to enter a plea.
Prior to his death, Kirk and the conservative youth movement he founded, Turning Point USA, emerged as a major force in U.S. politics and helped President Donald Trump win a second term.
As public attention has swirled, state District Judge Tony Graf has taken steps to protect Robinson’s rights in court, but he declined earlier this month to bar cameras.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors say they plan to introduce forensic analyses, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings and alleged messages from Robinson admitting to the crime.
Defense attorneys have asked the judge to seal dozens of those exhibits to “prevent infecting the potential jury pool,” according to a court document filed Monday.
Prosecutors argue that the preliminary hearing should remain open, but they agree that media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial.
Prosecutors have said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner hidden under a keyboard that said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” They have also said he wrote in a text message about Kirk: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said in court documents that some evidence prosecutors plan to present in July is “reliable hearsay,” or statements made outside of court that are considered highly trustworthy. Such statements are typically allowed in preliminary hearings but not at trial, where standards are stricter.
Robinson’s attorneys worry the statements will spread widely after the preliminary hearing, harm their client and then not be admissible at a trial.
Prosecutors disagree, saying in a court filing, “There is nothing to suggest that the substance of the evidence is inadmissible.”
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
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