The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Utah State campus in September made his first in-person appearance in court as the judge debated the extent of media access to the high-profile case.
Lawyers for 22-year-old Tyler Robinson and the Utah County Sheriff's Office asked a judge to ban the use of cameras in court over concerns that news coverage could undermine a fair trial.
Kirk's widow and a coalition of national and local news organizations have pushed for transparency, and on Thursday a judge agreed to allow cameras to be used in court.
The defendant faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and could face the death penalty if convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.
He surrendered to authorities after an extensive manhunt following Kirk's shooting at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
The defendant confessed to the crime to his father, who recognized him from photographs released by authorities and who eventually convinced him to turn himself in, officials said.
ReutersThe defendant arrived in court Thursday with restrictions on his wrists and ankles.
He was wearing a shirt, tie and trousers and smiled at family members sitting in the front row of the court, according to the BBC's US news partner CBS. His mother, father and brother were with him in court.
A coalition of national and local news organizations wants to preserve media access to the case while advocating for transparency and public accessibility.
They insist on the publication of the recording and transcript of the October hearings in this case.
Kirk's widow, Erica Kirk, who has been battling conspiracy theories about her husband's death, also asked for transparency in the case. She said on Fox News last month: “We deserve to have cameras there.”
Part of Thursday's hearing involved reviewing audio and transcripts from the October hearing, which was not open to the public. The judge is still considering the issue.
Environmental Protection AgencyAnother portion of the hearing was broadcast online for public viewing.
“I need to hear what should and should not be sealed or protected, and it would be no good if everyone listened to what should be sealed,” Judge Tony Graf said.
He initially planned to rule on Thursday, but delayed it until Dec. 29 because he would rather “get it right and take more time than rush and miss.”
“I need to be narrow in my approach, this is an important issue. I plan to do that,” Judge Graf said.
However, he decided to make the case public, prohibiting lawyers on both sides from making out-of-court statements.
In October, a judge allowed the defendant to wear civilian clothing during pretrial hearings to avoid harming potential jurors, but required him to wear protective equipment during the hearing.
Photo or video shooting of him in the restraints is not allowed.
The defendant must next appear in person for a hearing on January 16.
