Suspected Assassin of Charlie Kirk Aims to Exclude Murder Video
Tyler Robinson’s legal team is seeking to prevent the showing of a video depicting the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University during the upcoming court hearing. This hearing is related to a motion addressing an alleged conflict of interest that could influence prosecution decisions.
Scheduled for Friday, Robinson’s court appearance is also meant to address his defense’s request to ban news cameras from the proceedings. Interestingly, this comes over seven months after the tragic shooting incident occurred before a large audience in Orem, Utah.
At the heart of the discussions will be the balance between the public’s right to information, as outlined in the First Amendment, and the defendant’s right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Erica Kirk, the widow of Charlie, who is now 37, has urged the court to ensure that media access to the case remains meaningful. Simultaneously, two media organizations, including Fox News, have officially requested permission to have cameras present during the hearings.
Judge Tyler Robinson has previously decided that cameras can attend the hearings, with specific stipulations in place, such as not recording private discussions or capturing the faces of Robinson’s family members seated in the courtroom’s front row.
During the proceedings, at least one expert will testify regarding how social media and the extensive news coverage surrounding the case might sway jurors’ perceptions. Robinson’s defense will feature Dr. Brian Edelman, a well-regarded social psychologist involved in several high-profile cases.
Robinson is alleged to have fatally shot Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. Reports indicate that he fired a single shot from a roof across the courtyard where Kirk was speaking, hitting him in the neck and resulting in his death in front of around 3,000 attendees.
Video footage from bystanders captured the moment of the shooting. Investigators found evidence suggesting a sniper had been at the scene—marks on the gravel roof consistent with someone lying prone. Additionally, a suspected murder weapon was located in the woods in the general direction Robinson ran.
Text messages between Robinson and his girlfriend implied they might have been discussing plans to retrieve the firearm believed to be used in the shooting.
In the wake of the incident, Robinson reportedly commented about being “stuck in Orem” and suggested that retrieving his rifle was still a priority. His girlfriend, Lance Twiggs, is assisting the investigation and has not faced any charges.
If Robinson is found guilty of aggravated murder, he could potentially face the death penalty. The charges against him also include multiple felony counts related to firearm use, witness tampering, and more.
The preliminary hearing will take place next month, where prosecutors will need to provide sufficient evidence for the case to proceed, although it has faced several delays since Robinson’s arrest in September 2025.
