(NewsNation) — Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance Thursday.
Robinson was transported to the courthouse in an armored vehicle. Although cameras were allowed for the initial portion of the hearing, Judge Tony Graf then asked the press and public to leave for a closed portion of the hearing, where he would hear arguments on what can and cannot be sealed.
Defense attorneys began by indicating they believed that media streaming the hearing had violated rules of decorum, including showing Robinson in shackles and images of computers as well as audio from conversations with counsel.
Graf ruled that the camera could remain but relocated it so the shot would not violate the rules of decorum.
Although he initially intended to issue a ruling after arguments, Graf said he needed time to deliberate and craft a ruling. He said he would issue a ruling on the closed portion of the hearing on Dec. 29 on Webex.
A hearing was set for Feb. 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. local time, at which point Graf said he would address the issue of cameras in court.
Graf did issue a clarification on the gag order, which he said applies to anyone on the defense and prosecution teams as well as anyone who they believe in good faith will be called as a witness. It does not apply to all people who witnessed Kirk’s death.
Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at an Utah Valley University event. Robinson, 22, was arrested the following night.
Robinson is facing charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. He has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty in the case.
The appearance will be his first in-person attendance at a hearing. The judge is expected to weigh in on how much media access will be granted for the trial.
Kirk’s death was widely condemned. The Turning Point USA founder had connections to many Republicans in power, including President Donald Trump. Conservatives expressed outrage over Kirk’s death, citing political rhetoric as a factor.
His funeral was broadcast on television and was estimated to have drawn tens of millions of viewers, along with the tens of thousands of people who attended the memorial in person.
Robinson’s lawyers have asked the judge to ban cameras in the courthouse, arguing that media coverage could affect the case and his presumption of innocence.
Previously, the judge ruled Robinson can appear in street clothes for the trial, though he must be restrained. The judge also banned the media from filming or photographing his restraints to avoid prejudicing potential jurors.
Attorney Kathy Nester has raised concerns that digitally altered versions of Robinson’s initial court photo have spread widely, creating misinformation about the case. Some altered images show Robinson crying or having an outburst in court, which did not happen.
A coalition of media organizations arguing for access in the courtroom. Utah already places limits on media, with judges often allowing just one still and one film camera in the courtroom, with the images and video shared with other news organizations. Other journalists are typically allowed to attend and take notes, but not record.
Kirk’s widow, Erica, has also expressed support for cameras in the courtroom, saying the public deserves transparency.