Suspect in Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Requests Evidence Sealing: Legal Battle Unfolds

In Provo, Utah, Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September 2025, is due back in court today. The proceedings will focus on defense motions aimed at limiting public access to certain court documents, a move highlighted by the Utah County Attorney’s Office. Judge Tony Graf Jr. will preside over the hearing.

Robinson, 22, faces the possibility of a death sentence if found guilty of murdering Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. His defense team is arguing for a closed session to discuss evidence, citing concerns over potentially prejudicial and misleading media coverage, as well as statements made by government officials. They aim to prevent the repetition of these issues in the public eye.

The defense is also pushing to prohibit the use of cameras and microphones in the courtroom. Their argument is centered on the belief that extensive media coverage could skew the perceptions of potential jurors.

During a recent appearance at the Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Robinson was photographed by Rick Egan of The Salt Lake Tribune, marking another step in a high-profile case that continues to draw significant public attention.

Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah on December 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

The defense team wants to close portions of the April 17 hearing to the media, arguing prejudicial media coverage interferes with Robinson’s right to a fair trial. 

At the April 17 hearing, the defense team plans to showcase evidence regarding “harmful and prejudicial media coverage of this case thus far,” the defense said. 

“While there is simply not enough time to present all of what is referenced in the ‘motion to exclude cameras,’ the compilation anticipated will highlight the most egregious and most concerning media coverage impacting Mr. Robinson’s case.”

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking during his “American Comeback Tour” when he was shot in the neck and killed.  (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

Previously at Robinson’s Feb. 24 hearing, Graf denied the motion to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office. 

The defense team argued there was a conflict of interest because a prosecutor’s daughter was present at the shooting at UVU. 

Graf, however, said the court was “unpersuaded” by the argument of an “appearance of bias” from the prosecution team. 

“Because defendant has not established a factual basis for a finding of conflict of interest or an objective appearance of impropriety, rising to a constitutional concern, his motion is respectfully denied,” Graf said.

4th District Court Judge Tony Graf speaks during a waiver hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, in Utah County Court in Provo, Utah, on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Laura Seitz/The Deseret News via Pool)

The next hearing on April 17 will address the defense’s motion to exclude all cameras from the courtroom, and a preliminary hearing is set for May 18-20.