SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man charged with killing Charlie Kirk, can appear in court wearing street clothes but will be physically restrained due to security concerns, as ruled by a judge on Monday.
Robinson's attorneys argued that images of him in shackles and jail clothing could bias potential jurors, given the highly publicized nature of the case. Judge Tony Graf acknowledged the extraordinary media attention surrounding the case and agreed that Robinson should appear in attire reflecting his presumption of innocence.
Charged with aggravated murder for the September 10 shooting of the conservative activist on a Utah college campus, prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty.
Though Robinson has no prior criminal history, the serious nature of his charges and the potential for emotional hearings led Graf to prioritize safety in the courtroom, denying his request to appear unrestrained. Nevertheless, he prohibited media from photographing or filming Robinson's restraints.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, a prominent figure who worked to mobilize young voters toward conservatism, from a rooftop overlooking a crowded area at Utah Valley University.
He was arrested the following night after he contacted a retired deputy, turning himself in alongside his parents in his hometown, over three hours from the crime scene.
As law enforcement sought the suspect, incriminating text messages and DNA evidence were revealed, linking Robinson to the incident, including a text indicating he believed Kirk's rhetoric was filled with hatred.
Robinson is set to appear in future hearings on January 16 and 30.
