Utah District Judge Tony Graf ruled Friday that media outlets cannot broadcast images of new exhibits during preliminary hearings for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of murdering Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The ruling came as Robinson's defense team advised him not to testify on his own behalf.
Cameras will continue to record proceedings, but the judge prohibited the broadcast of any new exhibits shown during the final day of the preliminary hearing. This decision followed an accidental broadcast of a handwritten note, allegedly from Robinson, in which he confessed to the crime. Robinson's attorneys had argued that cameras in the courtroom would prejudice potential jurors.
"I’m informed second hand that if I want to buy this image, maybe have it framed … I could do so. Maybe put it up in my office," said Robinson's attorney Richard Novak, criticizing the prosecution and media for the misstep. Judge Graf acknowledged the issue, noting he had to request the image be removed from a monitor.
Robinson, 23, declined to take the stand, foregoing his last opportunity to speak before Judge Graf makes a final determination on whether the case will proceed to trial. Prosecutors presented evidence throughout the week, including videos allegedly showing Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus, text messages with purported confessions, and video testimony from Lance Twiggs, described as Robinson's trans lover. The defense objected to nearly every exhibit.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, who attended the hearing, expressed gratitude that the court allowed substantial evidence to be presented. "As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day," the Kirk family stated.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea. He faces the death penalty if convicted. The judge is scheduled to make his final ruling after oral arguments on September 1, nearly one year after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. The Kirk family has pledged to advocate for transparency in future proceedings.
