Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing makes first in-court appearance

December 11 (Reuters) – Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, requested that media access be limited to ensure a fair trial after the 22-year-old man appeared in court for the first time on Thursday.

Robinson, wearing a shirt and tie, sat next to his lawyers in the courtroom about four miles (6 kilometers) from where Kirk, 31, an ally of President Donald Trump, was shot to death on Sept. 10. Robinson’s father, mother and brother were also present, his lawyer Richard Novak told the court.

The hearing before District Court Judge Tony Graf in Provo, Utah, went into closed session shortly after it began. The public, including Robinson’s relatives, were asked to temporarily leave the area and the video feed was turned off. ‌During the closed session, Graf and attorneys would discuss what could be made public from previous closed sessions. The judge, considering a request from Robinson’s lawyers to ban cameras in the courtroom, said he would rule on access questions later Thursday.

THE JUDGE AIMS TO PROTECT THE INNOCENCE DECISION

Robinson is accused of firing a single shot from the roof that killed Kirk during the Turning Point USA event held on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, about 40 miles (65 km) south of Salt Lake City, while Kirk was arguing with students.

Kirk’s death sparked accusations of political violence across the ideological spectrum.

Since Robinson’s first court appearance via video link on October 27, Graf has made decisions aimed at preserving the presumption of innocence in a case he said has attracted “extraordinary” public attention.

The judge ruled that Robinson could appear in court wearing normal clothes but had to be physically restrained. Graf banned the media from filming or photographing Robinson’s shackles after his lawyers said images of Robinson in handcuffs and prison garb could harm jurors.

A cameraman and a photographer were assigned by the court to share images and sounds from the courtroom with other news organizations.

Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow and now president of the conservative organization Turning Point, called for cameras to be allowed in the courtroom to preserve transparency.

Robinson is charged with seven felonies, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for suppression of evidence, and witness tampering because he asked his roommate to delete incriminating texts. Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty.

(Reporting by Andrew ‌Hay; Editing by Donna Bryson and Rod Nickel)