Judge orders release of secret hearing in Tyler Robinson case over killing of Charlie Kirk
A Utah judge has ordered the release of a previously secret court hearing in the criminal case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During a brief video hearing on Monday, Tony Graf said a transcript of the closed door hearing held on October 24 would be made public by the end of the day, subject to limited redactions. He also ordered the release of the audio recording from that session, though warned it could take up to two weeks before it is available.
Robinson did not appear on screen during the hearing but confirmed his presence by audio, responding “Yes, your honor” when asked by the judge.
Tyler Robinson case
The October hearing was conducted in private to assess courtroom security measures, including whether Robinson could appear without restraints and in civilian clothing. Judge Graf ruled that Robinson may wear non jail attire but must remain physically restrained in court due to safety concerns.
Robinson, 22, appeared in person earlier this month for the first time since his arrest. His legal team argued then that cameras should be barred from the courtroom, warning that media coverage could prejudice future jurors and undermine his right to a fair trial. Portions of that hearing were also held behind closed doors, prompting objections from journalists.
Defense attorney Staci Visser accused some media outlets of violating court orders by allegedly filming Robinson in shackles.
“We do not want the chaos that is out in the media in this courtroom,” Visser told the court at the time.
Robinson faces seven felony charges, including aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
Kirk, 31, was killed on September 10 when he was struck by a single bullet to the neck while speaking before a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University. Authorities allege the shot was fired from a rooftop during a stop on Kirk’s American Comeback Tour.
Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and had become a prominent figure in conservative politics. He is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.
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Erika Kirk has spoken publicly in favor of allowing cameras in the courtroom, saying transparency is essential to counter conspiracy theories surrounding her husband’s death. She has been designated the official victim representative in the case.
Media organizations had also asked Judge Graf to grant them special status that would guarantee advance notice of any future attempts to close hearings or restrict access. Graf denied that request, citing an existing order requiring both prosecutors and defense attorneys to notify the media before seeking closed proceedings.
The judge is scheduled to hear arguments in February on a separate defense motion to ban cameras entirely from the courtroom.
If convicted, Robinson could face execution by firing squad, as Utah remains one of the few states where that method of capital punishment is still permitted.
Kirk’s killing prompted widespread condemnation of political violence from across the ideological spectrum, with leaders from both major parties calling for calm and accountability as the case proceeds.
