Utah Judge Rules on Cameras in High-Profile Trial

A judge in Utah has decided that cameras will continue to be allowed in the courtroom during the highly publicized trial related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Judge Tony Graf stated that while the media had violated the court’s decency order, he would permit cameras to remain but with new limitations. This violation was attributed to recordings made outside of formal meetings. The Decorum Order and the Electronic Media Reporting (EMC) Guidelines from October 30, 2025, specifically prohibit filming before hearings begin or after the court session has ended.

“If there are special circumstances that justify certain measures, then findings must be made by the court. I think removing cameras entirely from this hearing would be excessive. We had already established that transmissions cannot start until the court is adjourned and need to conclude before that. As such, the rules regarding EMC must be followed as noted in the prior decency order,” the judge explained.

The judge also ordered the primary camera to be moved away from the defense table to avoid showing shackles or confidential information on the lawyer’s screen. Bailiffs will supervise the positioning of these cameras.

Furthermore, the judge cautioned that any future violations of courtroom etiquette would result in an immediate withdrawal of broadcast rights. While highlighting a commitment to transparency, the court acknowledged the need to protect the constitutional rights of all parties involved in the trial.

The court temporarily paused proceedings to allow for camera adjustments before the hearing resumed.