Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday (Dec 11). During the hearing, the judge considered how much media access should be permitted in the widely publicized case. Robinson, dressed in a shirt and striped tie, spoke with his attorneys and occasionally smiled as he entered the Provo, Utah courtroom in handcuffs and shackles. His parents and brother attended the hearing, and his mother was seen wiping away tears, according to a Salt Lake Tribune reporter. Local TV channels filmed an armored SWAT vehicle escorting Robinson, 22, to the courthouse, located roughly four miles (6km) from the site where Kirk, 31, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, was shot and killed on Sept 10.

Judge Tony Graf listened to arguments from Robinson’s defense team, who asked the court to block cameras due to the intense media interest. Meanwhile, attorney David Reymann, representing several news organizations, urged the court to allow access to recordings and transcripts of closed hearings. “We don’t want the media chaos entering this courtroom,” defense attorney Staci Visser argued.

Judge Graf scheduled a Dec 29 video conference to issue his decision on media access and set an in-person preliminary hearing for May 18–21. At prosecutors’ request, he named Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, as the official victim representative. Robinson is accused of firing a single shot from a rooftop, killing Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (65km) south of Salt Lake City. Kirk’s death prompted widespread condemnation of political violence from across the political spectrum.

Since Robinson first appeared via video on Oct 27, Judge Graf has taken steps to preserve the defendant’s presumption of innocence amid the intense public scrutiny. Robinson may wear regular clothing in court but must remain restrained. The judge has also barred media from filming or photographing his restraints after defense attorneys argued such images could bias potential jurors. During Thursday’s proceedings, Graf briefly paused the livestream and moved a videographer after Robinson’s shackles were broadcast. The court has appointed one videographer and one photographer to capture and share approved footage and images with other outlets.

Erika Kirk, now leading Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point organization, has advocated for allowing cameras in the courtroom for the sake of transparency. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for disposing of evidence, and witness tampering after allegedly asking his roommate to delete incriminating text messages. Prosecutors plan to pursue the death penalty.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.