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Judge Weighs Camera Ban as Kirk Murder Suspect Appears in Court

Media access has become a central dispute in a capital case with little public evidence released to date.

Overview

  • Tyler Robinson, 22, is set for his first in-person appearance Thursday in Provo after earlier video and audio-only hearings.
  • Robinson’s defense team and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office have asked Judge Tony Graf to bar courtroom cameras, and a coalition of news organizations is contesting further restrictions and sealing.
  • The court has allowed Robinson to wear civilian clothes but requires restraints, and media may not film or photograph shackles or show him except while seated.
  • Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and related felonies and plan to seek the death penalty; he has not entered a plea.
  • Proceeding by indictment likely eliminates a public preliminary hearing, delaying disclosure of key evidence, as the judge addresses prior closed-session records and transparency concerns raised by news outlets and Erika Kirk.