Robinson Defense Files Motion to Block Cameras Citing Trump Comments

The legal team for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, asked a Utah judge on Tuesday to keep cameras out of the courtroom during next week's hearing. The new motion relies heavily on social media comments made by President Donald Trump in late October. The defense argues that these remarks have raised the stakes for public opinion, making electronic media coverage a greater threat to a fair trial.

Robinson's attorneys have previously tried to limit or ban both video and still photography in the case. They have not yet succeeded in having the cameras removed completely. However, they used the president's recent online activity to strengthen their current argument. The hearing is scheduled for November 9, and the lawyers want to prevent any visual recording from that day.

The specific post that triggered this legal move appeared on Truth Social. In it, Trump criticized Judge Tony Graf Jr., stating, "The judge in the Charlie Kirk case is doing a terrible job!" The president said this after Robinson's lawyer proposed a trial date in the third quarter of 2029. Trump argued the case should be resolved within a month rather than three years. He claimed the judge was "desecrating the memory of the Great Charlie Kirk" by taking too long to ask questions with known answers. He also said the country was mocking the legal system and called for justice for Kirk.

Robinson's lawyers stated that the president's comments heighten the prejudicial impact of electronic media. They wrote that continuing camera coverage perpetuates bias in the public against their client. The defense team also warned that cameras create a risk that statements made in court will spread without proper context. They noted that out-of-context clips provide material for public commentary, including from politicians, which puts pressure on the proceedings. Even still photography, they argued, carries risks of prejudicial dissemination.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the filing. In their motion, the lawyers pointed out that the upcoming hearing will not involve any presentation of evidence or witness testimony. They noted that the resulting scheduling order will be publicly accessible. The proceeding will remain open to the public and members of the press, who can attend and report on it without cameras.

Although no witnesses are expected to testify at next week's session, Robinson's lawyers renewed their objection to cameras. They argued that the court's current procedure for handling such requests does not allow witnesses to address privacy or security concerns. Judge Graf is expected to address the timing of the trial during the hearing on Monday.

Robinson is accused of assassinating Kirk, who was 31 at the time, on September 10, 2025. The incident took place during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Utah County prosecutors have suggested January 31, 2028, as their preferred trial date, though they indicated they could be ready in October 2027. In contrast, the defense team has proposed late 2029 as a target for the trial date.