A Utah court has ordered the release of most of the transcript and audio from a closed hearing tied to courtroom security in the prosecution arising from the fatal shooting of political commentator Charlie Kirk, while rejecting a push by news organizations for special access rights.
The decision came during a brief video hearing attended by the accused, Tyler Robinson, via audio link. Robinson spoke only once to confirm his presence.
The sealed session in question examined the security measures governing Robinson’s court appearances—what restraints he must wear and how he may be presented before a jury. The judge directed that nearly all of the roughly 80-page transcript be made public, with about a page withheld and the corresponding audio edited to remove sensitive details.
Media organizations had sought formal recognition that would guarantee advance notice of any future attempts to close proceedings or restrict access. The court declined, pointing instead to an existing requirement that lawyers on both sides notify the press before seeking to shut hearings.
Robinson faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder, along with counts related to alleged evidence disposal and attempts to interfere with witnesses. The case stems from a shooting during a campus event where Kirk was engaging students, an attack that reverberated across the political spectrum and prompted widespread condemnation.
The court has already set limits on visual coverage, allowing Robinson to appear in civilian clothing but barring images that show restraints, citing concerns about prejudicing potential jurors. A separate hearing scheduled for February will address a defense request to prohibit cameras altogether.
The killing reignited national debate over political violence, even as the court now moves—carefully—toward greater transparency in a case that continues to draw intense public scrutiny.
