In Orem, Utah, lawyers for 23‑year‑old Tyler Robinson, charged with the murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, have renewed a request to prohibit news cameras at an upcoming scheduling hearing. The defense argues that a recent Truth Social post by President Donald Trump heightens the risk of pre‑trial publicity that could influence a future jury.
President Trump’s post fuels camera‑ban request
President Trump posted on Truth Social in late October, describing the judge handling the Kirk case as “desecrating” the memory of the late activist and demanding a trial “within a month, not three years.” Robinson’s attorneys contend that the President’s statements, amplified by media coverage, create an “unnecessary risk” of out‑of‑context dissemination that could prejudice the public and potential jurors.
“The President’s post only heightens the prejudicial impact of electronic media coverage at the November 9 hearing,” the filing states. The lawyers claim that even still photography can spread statements without context, providing “unnecessary ammunition for public commentary, including by politicians, that risks exerting undue pressure on the proceedings.”
Legal background and hearing details
The upcoming hearing, scheduled for September 1, will not feature any evidence or witness testimony; it is intended solely to set a trial date. Judge Tony Graf Jr. is expected to address the timing of the trial, with prosecutors having floated a January 31, 2028 date while the defense has suggested a later date in 2029 as a “soft target”.
Robinson’s lawyers note that the hearing will remain open to the public and press, and any scheduling order will be publicly accessible. Nonetheless, they argue that the court’s current procedure for adjudicating camera requests does not allow witnesses to address privacy or security concerns, further justifying their request for a ban.
White House response
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Context of the case
Robinson is accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The case has drawn national attention, not only because of the high‑profile victim but also due to the involvement of President Trump, who has frequently commented on the proceedings.
While the defense seeks to limit media exposure at the scheduling hearing, they acknowledge that the broader trial will be open to the public and press. The request reflects a broader concern among defendants that extensive media coverage, especially from high‑profile political figures, can jeopardize the right to an impartial jury.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
