Judge Tony Graf ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing held on Oct. 24 in the case of Tyler Robinson, who prosecutors have charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Graf made the order Monday, according to the transcript materials released later that day.
Graf said public transparency is “foundational” to the judicial system before directing that details from the closed hearing be made available. Attorneys for media outlets, including The Associated Press, argued for access, saying the hearing was the first time defense attorneys raised a request to ban cameras in the courtroom.
The transcript, described as a 97-page document, was released later Monday with limited redactions. The redactions removed discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case, and Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing with redactions.
During the Oct. 24 hearing, defense attorneys argued that the way Robinson would be presented to the court could affect potential jurors. In the transcript, defense attorney Richard Novak said that prohibiting cameras would be “very easy” to enforce and could help curb visual prejudice, adding that juror bias could result from widespread video and photos showing Robinson shackled and in jail clothing.
Novak also told the court, “We’re not litigating this case in the press,” during the October session. Robinson was not present in court Monday and instead appeared via an audio feed from the Utah County Jail.
Graf has not ruled on the defense’s request to ban cameras. But in days after the closed hearing, the judge ruled that Robinson could wear civilian clothes in pretrial hearings while also requiring restraints, citing rules that require incarcerated defendants to be restrained or supervised at all times unless otherwise ordered.
Graf also prohibited media outlets from publishing photos, videos, or live broadcasts that show Robinson’s restraints as a way to protect the presumption of innocence ahead of trial. The judge briefly stopped a media livestream earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed the defendant’s shackles, and Graf said he would terminate future broadcasts if there were further violations.
In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. Graf said members of the press do not need to be formal parties to access court records, while also saying the publications involved must be notified of future requests to close hearings or restrict access to court filings.
Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18.