A Utah judge has decided to release the transcript of a closed-door meeting from October regarding the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson. The meeting discussed whether Robinson should be restrained during court.
Judge Tony Graf has stated that the transcript will be available on the court’s website. Media lawyers, like those from the Associated Press, pushed for the hearing’s details to be made public.
Robinson is charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, a well-known conservative figure, which occurred on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty in this case.
In early October, Robinson’s lawyers asked that he be allowed to appear in court in regular clothes and without any restraints. They argued this would prevent potential jurors from being biased against him.
After the closed hearing on October 24, Judge Graf ruled that Robinson could wear civilian clothes but must remain restrained. Utah law says that defendants in custody must be restrained unless a judge orders otherwise.
Judge Graf explained in an October 27 order that restraints are needed to protect court staff and Robinson himself, allowing for quick control if there is any disruption during court proceedings.
Despite this, the judge believes openness is vital to the justice system. He ordered the release of the hearing details, only removing information about security procedures.
An audio recording of the hearing will also be released with certain parts removed.
Media lawyers argued that open courts are important for ensuring a fair process and maintaining public trust in the courts. They pointed out that criminal cases in the U.S. have traditionally been open to the public, showing that fair trials can happen without restricting the press.
Judge Graf has previously stated that media outlets cannot show Robinson’s restraints in photos or broadcasts of court events.
Earlier this month, the judge briefly stopped a livestream of a hearing and ordered the camera to be moved after Robinson’s lawyers complained that the broadcast showed his shackles.
In another decision, Judge Graf denied a request from media lawyers to formally intervene in the case, saying the press doesn’t need to be official parties to access court records.
Robinson did not attend Monday’s court hearing in person but participated via audio from the Utah County Jail.
A preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will present their case against Robinson, is scheduled for the week of May 18.
