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In Provo, Utah, the defense team for the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk returned to court on Tuesday. They sought to limit media access to certain parts of an upcoming hearing, aiming to seal some evidence after a judge denied their request to exclude news cameras from the proceedings.
Tyler Robinson’s attorneys argue that media coverage of the trial could create a biased view of their client, potentially influencing future jurors. They are pushing for limited public access during his preliminary hearing, set for July 6-10, where the prosecution will present evidence to justify proceeding to trial.
This hearing is expected to be the most comprehensive display of evidence yet in a case that has heavily emphasized public access issues over the past eight months.
On Tuesday, the defense also called for sanctions against the prosecution following comments made by prosecutor Christopher Ballard outside the courtroom. Robinson’s lawyer, Richard Novak, accused Ballard of embarking on a “media tour” expressing opinions on Robinson’s guilt.
Prosecutors countered that Ballard was within his rights to address the media to clarify misunderstandings regarding a preliminary ballistics report, which had sparked rumors of Robinson’s possible exoneration. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride emphasized that Ballard’s comments aimed to present an accurate picture of the report without implying Robinson’s guilt.
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson, 23, is convicted. He is charged with crimes including aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 assassination of the conservative activist on the Utah Valley University campus. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Prior to his death, Kirk and the conservative youth movement he founded, Turning Point USA, emerged as a major force in U.S. politics and helped President Donald Trump win a second term.
As public attention has swirled, state District Judge Tony Graf has taken steps to protect Robinson’s rights in court, but he declined earlier this month to bar cameras.
SEE ALSO: Judge rejects request to ban cameras in court from man charged with killing Charlie Kirk
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors say they plan to introduce forensic analyses, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings and alleged messages from Robinson admitting to the crime.
Defense attorneys have asked the judge to seal dozens of those exhibits to “prevent infecting the potential jury pool,” according to a court document filed Monday.
Prosecutors argue that the preliminary hearing should remain open, but they agree that media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial.
Prosecutors have said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner hidden under a keyboard that said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” They have also said he wrote in a text message about Kirk: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle.
Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said in court documents that some evidence prosecutors plan to present in July is “reliable hearsay,” or statements made outside of court that are considered highly trustworthy. Such statements are typically allowed in preliminary hearings but not at trial, where standards are stricter.
Robinson’s attorneys worry the statements will spread widely after the preliminary hearing, harm their client and then not be admissible at a trial.
Prosecutors disagree, saying in a court filing, “There is nothing to suggest that the substance of the evidence is inadmissible.”
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