A judge rejected a defense motion Monday to close hearings in the case of a man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ruling that the public has a right to access the proceedings.
Tyler Robinson, 23, faces charges in connection with Kirk’s death at a Utah college speaking event in September. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty in the case.
What the Defense Argued
Robinson’s legal team sought to seal portions of an upcoming preliminary hearing scheduled for July, claiming extensive media coverage could prejudice potential jurors and undermine his right to a fair trial. The defense also requested that the court limit news coverage and keep evidence under seal.
“The defendant has not provided a sufficient basis for the court to find that the interests favoring closure outweigh the interest favoring an open proceeding,” Judge Tony Graf said during Friday’s hearing.
The Judge’s Decision
Graf acknowledged that certain portions of the hearing could remain closed to protect privacy and safety, but rejected the blanket closure request. He noted that law enforcement has already released substantial information about the case to the public.
The judge cited the Supreme Court’s 1981 decision in Chandler v. Florida, which established that cameras in courtrooms do not automatically violate a defendant’s right to a fair trial. Graf said the ruling struck an appropriate balance between public access and defendant protections.
What Comes Next
The defense has until March 30, 2026, to file a redacted version of their motion addressing specific closure arguments. The preliminary hearing will function as a mini-trial, where prosecutors must present evidence establishing probable cause for the case to proceed.
Robinson’s attorneys have also filed a motion accusing prosecutors of engaging in a “willful media tour,” seeking to hold them in contempt.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
