Lawyers for Tyler Robinson asked a judge on Tuesday to seal key evidence and close portions of upcoming court proceedings in the case over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Robinson, 22, faces aggravated murder charges in the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting death of Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
Defense attorneys filed motions to restrict public and media access to exhibits ahead of the preliminary hearing now set for July. They cited concerns over jury pool contamination from widespread coverage. Prosecutors opposed the requests and called for the hearing to remain open.
Evidence at Issue
Prosecutors plan to present DNA analysis, surveillance video, witness statements, autopsy findings, and messages attributed to Robinson during the July 6-10 hearing. The goal is to establish probable cause to move the case to trial.
Court records indicate Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the shooting. Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle linked to the crime, along with other physical evidence.
Defense lawyers argued that releasing detailed forensic reports, communications, and video now could prejudice potential jurors in a case that has received intense national attention. They asked the court to limit the disclosure of materials that might later be challenged at trial.
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Prosecutors said broad restrictions are not needed. They maintained that the preliminary hearing serves a public function and that their evidence should be subject to scrutiny. They also defended public statements made about aspects of the case as corrections to misinformation.
Judge Weighs Options
Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf Jr. heard arguments during Robinson’s court appearance on Tuesday under heavy security. The judge took the defense motions under advisement and is expected to rule by June 1.
The defense has also questioned media access and camera coverage in the courtroom. Earlier rulings have allowed cameras to remain. Robinson’s attorneys continue to push for limits to protect the fairness of the proceedings.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea to the charges, which include aggravated murder and additional counts related to the shooting. He remains in custody without bail.
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During Tuesday’s hearing, defense attorneys accused prosecutors of contempt of court over recent public comments about a bullet fragment and other details. They requested that specific Discord messages, text exchanges, and videos be sealed from public release, arguing the material could unfairly influence potential jurors.
Prosecutors denied any contempt violation, stating their comments were limited to correcting false information in the media. Court filings also reference a reported confession by Robinson, his DNA on the recovered rifle, and bullets bearing engravings.
Why This Matters
The judge’s decision on sealing evidence and closing parts of the hearing will decide how much of the prosecution’s case becomes public before jury selection begins. An open hearing would allow early public review of DNA results, videos, and other materials. Restrictions could protect the trial process but reduce immediate transparency.
This case has drawn attention across the country because of Kirk’s prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA and the political nature of the killing. The July preliminary hearing will offer the most complete public look at the evidence gathered so far.
