Judge Orders Public Session for Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Killer Despite Ongoing Restrictions [WATCH]

PROVO, Utah — Tyler Robinson, the man charged with assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University, is scheduled to make his first in-person court appearance Thursday.

The hearing marks the most significant public step in the case since Robinson was taken into custody nearly three months ago, as reported by Fox News.

Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge and multiple related felonies. Until now, he has appeared only via jail video or audio feeds.

Tyler Robinson in court #CharlieKirk #tylerrobinson pic.twitter.com/8mjqFQx1TF

— Gray Hughes Investigates (@GrayHuze) December 11, 2025

Much of the case has proceeded under sealed filings and closed-door hearings, prompting growing concern from media organizations and from Kirk’s widow about the level of secrecy surrounding the proceedings.

A coalition of news outlets, including Fox News, has formally asked the court to require prosecutors and defense attorneys to provide advance notice when seeking to restrict public access.

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The coalition argues that such limits cannot be challenged if imposed without warning.

California trial attorney Roger Bonakdar said the shift from early openness to near-complete silence has been unusual.

“It has been pretty odd that the information tap was at full blast for a little while and now it’s completely shut off,” he said.

Prosecutors initially disclosed details that are typically kept confidential, including audio recordings, a purported confession, and video footage from a local fast-food restaurant.

“That openness abruptly ended,” Bonakdar said. “Now they’ve shut that tap off, and they’re saying you can’t even come to court and hear about what we’re doing when most of it’s probably procedural.”

Because prosecutors proceeded by indictment rather than complaint, the case will not include a preliminary hearing. Bonakdar said substantive evidence may not be public until the defense files certain motions months from now.

Concerns intensified after both sides moved to classify the audio and transcript of an Oct. 24 closed hearing as “private.” That proceeding focused on courthouse security issues and how Robinson should appear in future hearings.

Media outlets have argued that the public has a right to know when records are sealed and the basis for those decisions.

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, voiced her frustration last month. “There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” she told Fox News’ Jesse Watters.

She questioned why Robinson is shielded from cameras while her family’s grieving process has been fully public. “We deserve to have cameras in there,” she said.

Bonakdar said her perspective is understandable, noting the emotional weight of the case. He also acknowledged the pressure on the court due to the national attention surrounding Kirk’s killing.

Judges must balance the rights of the public and media with concerns about tainting the jury pool, he explained.

Under current court restrictions, Robinson cannot be filmed or photographed in shackles and may only be depicted while seated. His family members may not be shown, and reporters must follow a strict decorum order.

NEW Judge DENIES Tyler Robinson’s request to allow his family to remain in courtroom for closed part of hearing. @DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/peYu8ULvAe

— Nicole Silverio (@NicoleMSilverio) December 11, 2025

These rules follow earlier disputes about whether Robinson could appear in jail attire.

Bonakdar said such limits are common in homicide cases. “Courts oftentimes will prohibit the media from depicting the defendant in shackles or in jail clothing because it creates this inference of guilt,” he said.

Still, he noted that preventing images may have a limited effect in a case already widely covered. “Is the damage already done?”

Robinson’s limited physical appearances may be tied to security concerns, Bonakdar added. “They’re gonna say that Tyler Robinson is a security risk… he’s at risk for being hit by someone who wants to seek revenge,” he said.

BREAKING: Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson appears in court for the first time.

He is smiling and laughing.
Demonic. Evil. Sick.

Make it quick.
pic.twitter.com/BOzqCuhHcF

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 11, 2025

He called the approach “very clearly a deviation from the norm” but acknowledged the reasoning.

Despite public pressure for faster disclosure, Bonakdar said the timeline is typical for a homicide case, especially one involving the death penalty. Murder cases “move very slowly,” particularly when brought by indictment.

Thursday’s hearing, he said, will focus narrowly on disputes over sealed filings. The court scheduled the session specifically to address media objections.

The trial itself may still be a year or more away.

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