Tyler Robinson’s legal team has asked Judge Tony Graf to limit access to the preliminary hearing set for July 6-10. During this session, prosecutors will need to demonstrate sufficient evidence to justify a trial. Robinson stands accused of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk and appeared in the Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, in 2025.
On Monday, the Utah judge will determine whether to exclude reporters and the public from portions of this critical hearing. This represents the most substantial presentation of evidence so far in a case heavily centered around media access issues.
The defense team has also moved to seal numerous exhibits intended for the July hearing. They contend that the release of these exhibits could unfairly influence the jury pool before any potential trial. They aim to mitigate media portrayals that sometimes mischaracterize their client amid the widespread public interest surrounding the case.
Robinson, a 23-year-old from southwestern Utah, faces charges including aggravated murder linked to the shooting of Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty upon conviction. Robinson has yet to submit a plea.
While prosecutors support maintaining an open preliminary hearing, they concur with the defense that certain exhibits should not be visible or replicable by the media. These exhibits likely feature forensic analyses, surveillance footage, witness statement recordings, autopsy results, and alleged messages admitting guilt from Robinson.
Investigations have uncovered DNA matching Robinson’s on the rifle trigger, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges, and a towel wrapping the rifle. Additionally, authorities report that Robinson left a note for a romantic partner expressing intent to act against Charlie Kirk.