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On Monday, the widow of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure who was tragically killed, urged a court for substantial media access during the trial of his alleged murderer.
In a filing with Utah’s Fourth Judicial District Court, Erika Kirk emphasized the widespread public interest in the case, stating, “This matter has drawn considerable public attention, which cannot simply be overlooked. While it is essential to ensure the defendant’s right to a fair trial, it is equally vital to uphold the public’s First Amendment right to access judicial proceedings. Therefore, any attempts to restrict public visibility of these proceedings should be denied.”
The accused, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly killed Kirk on September 10 while he was delivering a speech at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The case has sparked debates over the extent of media access to trial proceedings, which has been somewhat restricted.
Erika Kirk is scheduled to appear on “Hannity” in New York City on December 8 to discuss her late husband’s posthumous book and offer her reflections on its content. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
The court filing further argues, “The public assassination of Mr. Kirk has left a deep impact on many. Without adequate access to these proceedings, the public is deprived of the ability to observe and scrutinize the evidence presented, resulting in a significant gap in understanding the events that led to his untimely death.”
It also notes that without transparency, conspiracy theories and misinformation are bound to spread, which Kirk’s attorneys argue will erode the public’s confidence in the judicial system.
“Such an outcome serves neither the interests of justice nor those of Ms. Kirk,” according to the filing.
Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Thursday, December, 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)
Several conspiracy theories have emerged in the wake of the assassination, taking an emotional toll on the widowed mother of two.
“When you go after my family, my Turning Point USA family, my Charlie Kirk Show family, when you go after the people that I love, and you’re making hundreds and thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love because somehow they’re in on this, no,” she said on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” on Dec. 10.
Shortly thereafter, she and podcast host Candace Owens sat down for a private discussion after Owens spent weeks positing alternative theories about the assassination.
Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, prior to his assassination. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)
“There is no adequate substitute for open proceedings,” the filing says. “Accordingly, Ms. Kirk respectfully urges the Court to deny any unnecessary requests to limit public or media access and to ensure that courtroom proceedings remain open to the fullest extent consistent with the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”