Utah Judge Allows Cameras at Preliminary Hearing for Man Charged in Charlie Kirk Killing

A Utah judge ruled Friday that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during proceedings for Tyler Robinson, who faces multiple charges including aggravated murder in the September 10, 2025, killing of Charlie Kirk. Judge Tony Graf Jr. rejected defense arguments that extensive media coverage could taint a future jury pool, finding they did not justify a blanket ban on cameras.

The ruling came in a Utah courtroom. moved Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing to July 6 through July 10. The preliminary hearing was moved due to the massive volume of evidence still being reviewed.

The move was made so that Robinson’s attorneys would have enough time to review discovery materials. The charges against Tyler Robinson are eligible for the death penalty.

Robinson is scheduled to return to court on May 19. The defense had sought to block cameras and electronic media coverage, arguing intense publicity could prejudice potential jurors. The defense presented experts who testified that livestreamed proceedings and online commentary could reinforce public bias.

Noted that most people consume information about the case through commentary and social media rather than watching proceedings live.

He pointed to safeguards including restrictions on camera placement, courtroom decorum rules, and limits on what attorneys can publicly say about the case. Utah County Attorney’s Office investigator Cole Christiansen testified in April that the tone of media coverage went both ways, with some negative toward the prosecution, some toward the defense, some toward Erika Kirk, and some toward Charlie Kirk.

Acknowledged the public’s interest in moving the case forward without unnecessary delays. Policies on cameras and livestreaming vary among states, and many including Utah give judges discretion over whether to allow cameras. Cameras are generally prohibited in federal courts.