Lawyers for accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson are again asking a Utah judge to block cameras from the courtroom, this time ahead of a hearing where a trial date could be set — as they warn that scrutiny over the cost of his defense may be creating a risk to his right to a fair trial.
The hearing is not expected to include witness testimony, but Robinson’s lawyers argue that ongoing coverage of Kirk’s murder could have an “incremental adverse effect” that outweighs the benefit of video coverage to the public’s understanding of court proceedings.
“Only a few weeks ago, the media reported on costs associated with the defense,” his lawyers wrote Monday in an opposition filing from local media to send a camera to cover the Oct. 23 hearing. “Against that backdrop, statements by defense counsel at the upcoming proceeding concerning the time and resources necessary to prepare this case are likely to be examined and disseminated in real time through social media and other media channels and viewed through the lens of cost, rather than in the context of Mr. Robinson’s constitutional rights to the effective assistance of counsel, a fair trial, due process of law, and a reliable penalty determination.”
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The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County had paid $1.6 million to Robinson’s legal team as of last month, exhausting a special $1 million earmark from the state. High-profile murder cases can cost millions to defend, especially if they go to trial.
Overhead typically includes expert witnesses, defense investigations, lab testing and more. Some experts have predicted Robinson’s defense could cost as much as $10 million.
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Additional coverage, his lawyers argued, “risks reinforcing existing prejudicial perceptions of Mr. Robinson and his defense.”
Robinson’s lawyers have repeatedly attempted to have cameras — for both still photography and video — blocked from the courtroom, arguing for various reasons that they violate his right to a fair trial.
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“Although the resulting litigation schedule may be newsworthy, there is little additional news value in electronically recording and transmitting the back-and-forth among the Court and counsel concerning scheduling matters,” Robinson’s attorneys wrote.
Read the filing:
Previously, they likened media coverage of the case to a “reality TV show” and claimed that cameras distract and put pressure on people in the courtroom.
One of his attorneys, Richard Novak, even laughed at the start of his five-day preliminary hearing when the judge ruled that one request had been filed too late and that a pool photographer would only be allowed to take pictures on days two through five.
Still, Judge Tony Graf Jr. has largely sided with the public, allowing cameras in to most proceedings under terms outlined in a decorum order.
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Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025, in front of a crowd of roughly 3,000.
He could face the death penalty if convicted of the top charge of aggravated murder.
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Other charges include felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in front of a child.
Robinson’s lead attorney Kathy Nester entered not guilty pleas on his behalf at a brief arraignment in September.
Fox News’ Lee Ross contributed to this report.
