Judge orders release of transcript from closed Charlie Kirk-killing hearing

Court releases transcript from closed hearing for man accused of killing Charlie Kirk

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing held in October over whether the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk must appear in court in restraints, the Associated Press reported Monday. State District Judge Tony Graf said public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering the details from the Oct. 24 closed hearing released, according to the transcript and court reporting. The judge also ordered that an audio recording of the hearing be made public, with limited redactions.

The transcript came as prosecutors said they have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. Prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty, and Robinson had not yet entered a plea at the time of the hearing discussion described in the transcript. Robinson was not present in court Monday and instead appeared via an audio feed from the Utah County Jail.

During the Oct. 24 hearing, attorneys for Robinson argued that widespread videos and photos of him while shackled and in jail clothing could influence potential jurors. Richard Novak, the defense attorney identified in the transcript, said that prohibiting cameras would be “very easy” for the court to enforce and could help curb visual prejudice, the AP reported.

The court proceedings described in the released transcript also show that media organizations sought access to the closed hearing materials. Attorneys for outlets including The Associated Press argued for access because they said it was also the first time defense attorneys suggested a ban on cameras in the courtroom, the AP reported. In the transcript made public Monday, Graf allowed limited redactions intended to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case.

In addition to the transcript, Graf ordered release of an audio recording of the Oct. 24 hearing, again with redactions. The filings and reporting also describe how Graf said he had not ruled on the defense’s suggestion to bar cameras when he issued other courtroom limits earlier in the case. Days after the closed hearing, Graf ruled that Robinson could wear civilian clothes during pretrial hearings but must also wear restraints, according to the AP report, citing Utah court rules requiring restraint or supervision for defendants who are in custody unless a judge orders otherwise.

Graf also limited what media could show to protect the presumption of innocence before trial. The AP reported that Graf prohibited media outlets from publishing photos, videos and live broadcasts that show Robinson’s restraints. The judge also briefly stopped a media livestream earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed his shackles, according to the AP.

Separately, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access court records, the AP reported. Graf also said the involved publications 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, according to the AP report.