Tyler Robinson, accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, appears in Utah courtroom for first time in person

Provo • Tyler James Robinson, the Utah man charged with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, was in court in person for the first time on Thursday as attorneys argued about how much access the media can have in his criminal case.

Robinson, 22, walked in calmly with his hands handcuffed in front of him, wearing a blue button-up shirt and a pink tie. The media are barred from showing images of him shackled as he enters and exits.

His parents and brother were in the courtroom, and his mother wiped tears from her eyes as he was brought in. There were about nine deputies from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office in the courtroom, an unusual level of security.

Prosecutors and attorneys for Robinson have asked 4th District Judge Tony Graf to limit media access in the criminal case, at times arguing that journalists should not be allowed to photograph Robinson or that certain hearings should be closed.

Kirk’s death and the ensuing criminal proceedings against Robinson have garnered extraordinary media attention and coverage at the Provo courthouse where hearings have taken place. Before Thursday, Robinson had attended his hearings via a video feed from the Utah County jail, where he has been held since he was arrested in September.

Three issues were argued on Thursday: a request from the media for access to what occurred during a closed hearing on Oct. 22; a request from prosecutors to amend or clarify the publicity or “gag” order in the case, which governs attorneys and the media; and a request from a group of news organizations, spearheaded by The Salt Lake Tribune, who have asked Graf to allow them to weigh in on any closure requests or any other proposed limitations.

Graf closed the courtroom for about two hours to hear arguments on the first issue and did not immediately issue a ruling. After reopening the courtroom, he also clarified the gag order, saying that attorneys and witnesses who are likely to testify at trial are limited in what they can say publicly about the case.

The judge is expected to rule later this month on what role the media will have in the criminal case going forward.

Media attorney David Reymann said that journalists have interests in advocating for openness and objecting to any closures — which has already happened in the case, on the agreement of prosecutors and defense attorneys.

“No one else represents our interests,” he said.

Prosecutors did not oppose the media being considered a limited party in the case; defense attorney Staci Visser asked that Graf make a clear ruling on what the media entities are allowed to do.

“We don’t want the chaos that is out in the media in this courtroom,” she said. “So whatever this court can do to prevent that, that’s what we’re asking.”

Defense attorney Kathryn Nester indicated to the judge that in future hearings, her team will argue that the Utah County Attorney’s Office should be disqualified from handling the case. That request was filed under seal on Wednesday, so the defense’s objections to the prosecution team are not currently publicly known.

She also indicated that the defense will file a formal request to keep cameras out of the courtroom.

Robinson is facing multiple charges, including aggravated murder, in connection with Kirk’s Sept. 10 death. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.