Cameras allowed in courtroom for Kirk murder trial after judge’s ruling
Donna Rotunno, a seasoned criminal defense attorney, recently addressed the impactful decision by the court to permit cameras during the trial of Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of murdering Charlie Kirk. Despite the defense’s unsuccessful attempts to argue that media presence could create bias, the court has scheduled the preliminary hearing to occur between July 6-10. Rotunno highlights the case’s high public interest and underscores the necessity for transparency afforded by media coverage.
In light of the court’s decision to allow news cameras, Robinson’s legal team is advocating for a Utah judge to restrict public access to certain segments of an upcoming crucial hearing. They are also seeking to seal sensitive evidence. This follows their unsuccessful effort to keep cameras out of the courtroom.
Prosecutors have prepared to present a variety of evidence, including records from the communication platform Discord, text messages, recorded statements, videos of the shooting, and a note. However, the defense is pushing to prevent the public from accessing testimony or exhibits that might ultimately be deemed inadmissible at trial. Prosecutors, in their opposition, argue that the defense’s motion was not only tardy but also lacks the specificity required to determine which parts of the evidence should remain confidential.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025, as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” During the event, attended by approximately 3,000 people, Kirk was tragically shot in the neck by a sniper while responding to an audience question.
Robinson, who is 22 years old, faces charges of fatally shooting the 31-year-old Kirk during this public event, a crime that has sparked national attention and put a spotlight on the judicial proceedings.
Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, 31, at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Kirk was answering a question from the audience at a Turning Point USA event in front of roughly 3,000 people when a sniper’s bullet struck him in the neck.
His defense team, led by Utah attorney Kathy Nester, has asked Judge Tony Graf Jr. for a hearing to determine whether they can have testimony and exhibits sealed from Robinson’s upcoming preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors are expected to present the court with evidence establishing probable cause for the charges against him.
Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, sits beside defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo on Jan. 16, 2026. (Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
“This is a strategic move by the defense for several reasons,” said Randolph Rice, a Maryland-based attorney and legal analyst who is following the case.
The defense is arguing that sealing part of the hearing would prevent the jury pool from being tainted, he said.
“A preliminary hearing is not a trial, so prosecutors are often permitted to introduce certain evidence, hearsay statements, police summaries, or investigative details that may never be admissible before the actual trial jury,” he said. “The defense wants to limit public dissemination of that information to avoid tainting the future jury pool.”
If convicted, Robinson could potentially face the death penalty, and it’s common for defense attorneys to raise as many issues as possible under the circumstances, he told Fox News Digital.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray appears in 4th District Court in Provo during a hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, on Feb. 3, 2026. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune)
“By requesting limits on cameras, public access, and the sealing of exhibits, they are attempting to preserve the defendant’s right to a fair and impartial trial and reduce the risk of appellate issues later in the case,” he said.
To counter the defense’s delay tactics, prosecutors had offered to leave DNA evidence out of the hearing, saying they had enough probable cause without it.
Graf nonetheless agreed to the defense team’s request for a postponement in the hearing, which is expected to take up to four days — moving it from the week of May 18 to early July.
4th District Court Judge Tony Graf speaks during a waiver hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk, in Utah County Court in Provo, Utah, on Sept. 29, 2025. (Laura Seitz/The Deseret News via Pool)
Attorneys for a coalition of media outlets that includes Fox News Digital have opposed the motion to close parts of the hearing, noting that such proceedings are routine and typically open to the public except under specific circumstances.
Robinson surrendered at his hometown sheriff’s office in southern Utah less than two days after the slaying.
Prosecutors have alleged he confessed to friends and family. He is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea.
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