Attorneys representing Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, have asked a Utah court to let him appear in civilian clothes and without restraints during all future court hearings.
In a 20-page motion filed on October 22, Robinson’s defense team argued that the case has become a “content tornado” a viral storm of online discussion, speculation, and social media commentary. They say this intense media attention threatens Robinson’s right to a fair and impartial trial, and that any new images showing him in jail attire or shackles could unfairly influence future jurors.
Judge Tony Graf has already approved the state and Utah County Sheriff’s motion to keep their response to the defense’s filing private, meaning the public cannot access it. Prosecutors said their reply includes sensitive details about security measures specific to Robinson’s case.
A closed hearing appeared on the court docket Friday morning. According to Fox News, it was held to consider the defense request for Robinson to appear unshackled and dressed in civilian clothing at all in-person hearings. Judge Graf is expected to rule on the matter Monday, with the next public hearing set for October 30 at 10 a.m.
The defense motion also references public remarks made by national and state officials including former President Donald Trump, Utah’s Governor, and federal law enforcement leaders who commented on Robinson’s guilt and the potential for the death penalty. His lawyers say these statements, combined with frequent images of Robinson in custody, have already “tainted the integrity of the judicial process.”
Citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 ruling in Deck v. Missouri, Robinson’s attorneys argue that defendants cannot be restrained in court unless there’s a clear, individualized security justification. They claim this rule should apply not just during jury trials but also in all public hearings, especially now that many proceedings are livestreamed and shared online.
The defense also criticized the Utah County Sheriff’s Office for applying standard restraint policies automatically to high-profile cases, calling that practice unconstitutional unless supported by specific findings.
While prosecutors and the sheriff’s office have suggested Robinson could attend hearings remotely to avoid media exposure, the defense insists that such an arrangement would violate his right to be physically present during every stage of his prosecution.
Interestingly, both sides seem to agree on one point the court should consider restricting or banning cameras and other video coverage inside the courtroom to help preserve the fairness of the trial.
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