A judge in Utah is set to rule on Monday whether Tyler Robinson, accused of being an assassin, can attend future court hearings in regular clothing. This follows a tense legal battle that unfolded during a private hearing on Friday.
On Monday, lawyers for the 22-year-old suspect met with District Judge Tony Graff after a confidential motion was submitted, which aimed to prevent the defense from compelling Robinson—who allegedly shot and killed the conservative figure Charlie Kirk—to appear without restraints and amid a bomb threat situation.
Prosecutors, reportedly in a filing co-authored with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, expressed concerns that revealing details from legal documents could pose a threat to public safety. The Salt Lake Tribune has covered this development.
Earlier in the week, defense lawyers contended that the state’s response to their motion was inappropriate, suggesting that it should have been solely handled by the Utah County Attorney’s Office without involving the sheriff’s office.
In response, the state argued that law enforcement was justified in their involvement and that their collaborative approach was necessary, particularly since the sheriff’s office manages security at the courthouse. ABC4 also provided coverage on this matter.
The sheriff’s office moved to request that media coverage of the case be limited, given its high-profile nature.
After Robinson’s legal team reiterated their original points on Thursday, Judge Graff conducted further discussions behind closed doors at the Provo courthouse. A final decision about Robinson’s court attire is expected on Monday.
The legal back-and-forth started when Robinson’s defense filed a motion on October 9, arguing that images of him in a prison jumpsuit or straitjacket might bias potential jurors and damage his chances for a fair trial.
Latest Updates on the Charlie Kirk Shooting in Utah
- Tyler Robinson, 22, has been identified as the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10.
- He faces charges including aggravated murder and could be subject to the death penalty.
- Robinson had been living with a transgender roommate, which aided federal authorities in locating him.
- Charlie Kirk, 31, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a speaking engagement.
- President Trump has expressed his support for the death penalty in this case.
- Kirk’s remains were transported from Utah to Arizona and his funeral is planned for September 21, to which President Trump has promised to attend.
- Kirk is survived by his wife and two small children.
Robinson, who stands accused of fatally shooting Kirk, previously appeared virtually in court while wearing a “suicide smock.”
With serious charges pending against him, including aggravated murder, Robinson could face the death penalty, reignited by President Trump’s vocal support. Utah is among the few states that still permit execution via firing squad.
Robinson has yet to publicly comment on the charges.
He is slated to appear in court on Thursday.
