The man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be allowed to wear plainclothes during pretrial hearings, a Utah judge ruled Monday.
At the same time, the judge denied the suspect’s request, Tyler Robinson, 22, to appear during the proceedings without any restrictions.
Robinson’s lawyers sought to extend his right to appear in civilian clothes during the trial to all of his pretrial proceedings, arguing that, given the extensive media coverage of the case, there is a risk of bias if potential jurors see him dressed as a prison guard. Prosecutors had opposed the request, arguing that prison clothing aids identification and security.
In granting the request during a virtual hearing Monday, Judge Tony Graf said, “Robinson’s right to the presumption of innocence outweighs the minimal inconvenience of allowing civilian dress, and Mr. Robinson will be required to dress like someone presumed innocent.”
Robinson also sought to appear without restrictions because of concerns that they could prejudice potential jurors.
Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, makes his first court appearance in Utah.
State of Utah/District Court
In denying the request, the judge said that while Robinson previously had no criminal record or problems while in custody, the charges he faces are “extraordinarily serious and carry possible sentences of life in prison or death.”
“The safety of Mr. Robinson, attorneys, court staff and the public must remain the court’s top priority,” Graf said. “The emotional nature of these procedures also increases the risk of disruption.”
Graf ordered the sheriff’s department “to use the least restrictive restraints necessary to maintain safety.”
“If those restrictions impede the defendant’s ability to communicate with the attorney or take notes, the attorney may renew the motion,” Graf said.
The judge also said the media will be prohibited from recording or photographing Robinson’s restraints, as well as while he enters, leaves or is in court.
Graf issued his rulings after hearing arguments from prosecutors and the defense during a closed-door hearing last week.
Robinson appeared remotely from jail, with his camera off, during Monday’s hearing. He is scheduled to appear in court in person on January 16, 2026.
People pay their respects at a memorial for right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 19, 2025.
Melissa Majchrzak/AFP via Getty Images
The shooting suspect surrendered to authorities a day after Kirk was shot and killed while holding an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent crime in the presence of a child. He has not yet pleaded guilty.
Prosecutors said they intend to seek the death penalty.
