Tyler Robinson, the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk, was seen smiling as he made his first in-person appearance in a Utah courtroom.
Robinson appeared inside the courtroom surrounded by his legal team, who continued their push to further limit media access in the widely followed criminal case. Until now, he had only attended previous hearings through audio or video from jail.
During the session, Robinson appeared relaxed, smiling and engaging in lengthy conversations with his attorneys before proceedings officially began.
As he entered the courtroom, he also smiled toward individuals seated in a row reserved for family members. His mother grew emotional, wiping away tears with a tissue as she watched him walk in.
Robinson’s legal team, together with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, requested that Judge Tony Graf ban cameras from the courtroom. Shortly after the hearing began, Judge Graf ordered all members of the press and public to leave.
The defense asked the judge to allow Robinson’s parents to remain, but the request was denied.
Judge Graf has already acknowledged the extraordinary public attention surrounding the case and has taken steps to protect Robinson’s presumption of innocence ahead of trial.
Michael Judd, representing the media coalition, has urged Judge Graf to allow news organizations to respond to any future motions seeking closed hearings or additional limitations.
Media access in Utah courtrooms is already limited, with judges typically allowing only one photographer and one videographer to document proceedings and share content with other news outlets. Additional journalists may attend to listen and take notes, alongside members of the public.
In recent court filings, Judd argued that an open courtroom safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process and helps maintain public trust in judicial proceedings.
