Charlie Kirk Case: Tyler Robinson’s Lawyers Seek Camera Ban

Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk, are once again asking a Utah judge to keep cameras out of the courtroom. Their latest request comes before a hearing that could establish a trial date, as they argue that intense attention on the cost of Robinson’s defense could jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

No witness testimony is expected at the hearing. Still, Robinson’s legal team says continued coverage of Kirk’s death could have an “incremental adverse effect” on the proceedings—one they believe would outweigh the public benefit of televising or recording the court’s scheduling discussions.

In a filing Monday opposing a request from local media to send a camera to the Oct. 23 hearing, Robinson’s attorneys pointed to recent reports about defense spending. “Only a few weeks ago, the media reported on costs associated with the defense,” they wrote. They argued that any discussion about the time and resources needed to prepare the case could be circulated immediately on social media and framed around expense, rather than Robinson’s constitutional rights to effective counsel, due process, a fair trial and a reliable penalty determination.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County had paid $1.6 million to Robinson’s defense team by last month, surpassing a special $1 million state allocation. Complex, high-profile murder cases can cost millions to defend, particularly when they proceed to trial.

Those expenses can include expert witnesses, investigative work, laboratory analysis and other services. Some experts have estimated that Robinson’s defense could ultimately cost as much as $10 million.

The attorneys also said additional media attention “risks reinforcing existing prejudicial perceptions of Mr. Robinson and his defense.”

Robinson’s lawyers have repeatedly sought to bar both still photographers and video cameras from the courtroom, citing different concerns about the possible impact on his right to a fair trial.

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“Although the resulting litigation schedule may be newsworthy, there is little additional news value in electronically recording and transmitting the back-and-forth among the Court and counsel concerning scheduling matters,” the defense wrote.

In earlier filings, the defense compared coverage of the case to a “reality TV show,” arguing that cameras could distract participants and increase pressure inside the courtroom.

During the opening of Robinson’s five-day preliminary hearing, defense attorney Richard Novak laughed after the judge ruled that a camera request had been submitted too late. The ruling allowed a pool photographer to take pictures beginning on the second day of the hearing.

Judge Tony Graf Jr., however, has generally favored public access, permitting cameras at most proceedings under conditions established in a courtroom decorum order.

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. About 3,000 people were gathered when Kirk was killed, prosecutors say.

A conviction on the aggravated murder charge could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty.

He also faces charges of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in front of a child.

At a brief arraignment in September, lead defense attorney Kathy Nester entered not-guilty pleas on Robinson’s behalf.