Defense asks judge to bar cameras at September 1 hearing, warns of reality-TV effect
Tyler Robinson’s lawyers filed another motion seeking to prohibit cameras and streaming at his September 1 hearing, arguing that media coverage could turn the trial into a reality-TV spectacle.
Robinson’s defense team submitted two separate court papers on Saturday urging the judge to bar any camera presence or livestreaming at the upcoming September 1 hearing. The lawyers argued that such media exposure would shift focus from factual deliberation to a spectacle, likening it to a reality-TV show, and could prejudice the public by broadcasting hearsay evidence that may later be inadmissible. They also noted that witnesses who gave statements during the July preliminary hearing reported harassment from media and interested parties.
The case stems from the September 10, 2025 shooting of Turning Point USA activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Judge Tony Graf Jr. will hear oral arguments on the July evidence and determine if there is sufficient probable cause to move forward with trial, which could include an aggravated murder charge carrying the death penalty. Robinson, 23, has not entered a plea.
Why it matters
The ruling will shape how high-profile criminal trials are televised and affect the fairness of proceedings.
In this story
