PROVO — A Utah judge will decide whether to restrict public access to parts of the preliminary hearing in the case of Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus on September 10. The hearing is scheduled for July 6–10 and will mark the most detailed presentation of evidence to date in the case.
Robinson’s defense attorneys have asked Judge Tony Graf to restrict public access to the hearing and to seal dozens of exhibits that prosecutors plan to introduce. They argue that media coverage has sometimes misrepresented their client and that limiting public exposure to certain evidence could prevent tainting the jury pool before a potential trial.
Prosecutors have countered that the preliminary hearing should remain open to the public but agreed that media should be barred from viewing or copying some exhibits that might be used in a future trial. They plan to present forensic analyses, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings, and alleged messages from Robinson admitting to the crime. According to prosecutors, Robinson left a note for his romantic partner that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” Authorities also said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used in the shooting, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges, and a towel used to wrap the rifle.
Robinson, a 23-year-old from southwestern Utah, is charged with aggravated murder in Kirk’s death. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.