Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, are once again asking a Utah judge to keep cameras out of an upcoming hearing. This time, they argue that a social media post by President Donald Trump has increased the danger of biasing potential jurors against their client.
Robinson, 23, has repeatedly challenged the use of news cameras in court, seeking restrictions on both video recording and still photography. Previous efforts to bar the cameras have not persuaded the judge.
With Robinson scheduled to return to court next week, his defense team pointed to a Truth Social message Trump posted in late October.
Attorneys for accused assassin Tyler Robinson, right, are asking a Utah judge to block news cameras from covering his next hearing — arguing that a post from President Donald Trump on Truth Social increases the potential “prejudicial impact” of electronic media coverage. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images; Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
“The judge in the Charlie Kirk case is doing a terrible job!” Trump wrote after Robinson’s attorney suggested holding the trial during the third quarter of 2029. “This case should be tried within a month, not three years — and it should be over with! The judge is desecrating the memory of the Great Charlie Kirk, while taking forever to ask questions that people already know the answer to. The whole Country is mocking him and our ‘Legal’ System. JUSTICE FOR CHARLIE!”
Along with restating their broader challenge to the court’s process for deciding camera access, Robinson’s attorneys argued that continued electronic media coverage could undermine his constitutional right to an impartial jury by reinforcing negative public perceptions of him.
Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
“The President’s post only heightens the prejudicial impact of EMC at the November 9 hearing,” the defense wrote, referring to electronic media coverage. The attorneys said cameras create an unnecessary possibility that courtroom remarks could circulate without the surrounding context.
They also warned that comments presented out of context could fuel public criticism, including statements from elected officials, and place improper pressure on the court proceedings. The defense said still photographs carry similar risks because they can be distributed and interpreted without context.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A map of the UVU campus shows key locations surrounding the courtyard where Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025. (After-Action report for Utah Valley University)
The defense emphasized that next week’s hearing is expected to focus solely on scheduling. No evidence will be presented, and no witnesses are expected to take the stand.
The resulting scheduling order will be available to the public, the attorneys wrote, adding that the hearing itself will remain open to journalists and other members of the public who wish to attend and report on it.
People run after shots were fired during an appearance by Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
Even though no witnesses are expected next week, Robinson’s lawyers renewed their objection to the court’s camera policy. They argued that the process for considering electronic media coverage gives potential witnesses no opportunity to raise concerns about privacy or security.
Robinson is accused of killing Kirk, 31, at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. The shooting occurred during a Turning Point USA event featuring Kirk.
Utah County prosecutors have identified Jan. 31, 2028, as their preferred trial date, while saying they could be prepared to proceed as early as October 2027. Robinson’s defense team has proposed a date in late 2029 as a “soft target.”
Judge Tony Graf Jr. is expected to consider the competing trial schedules during Monday’s hearing.
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