Judge Rules on Clothing, Media Limits in Kirk Case

Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson may wear civilian clothing at pretrial hearings, finding the presumption of innocence outweighs the minimal inconvenience of permitting street clothes. The judge denied the defense’s request that Robinson appear unrestrained, ordered individualized assessments and the least-restrictive restraints necessary for safety, and barred media from photographing or filming any restraints or Robinson’s entry and exit from the courtroom. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and other counts in the Sept. 10 killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University; prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty and Robinson has not entered a plea. Reports indicate the next hearing was moved to January; Robinson has appeared via audio feed and remains in custody without bail. The court cited extraordinary public and media attention in weighing fair-trial interests against courtroom security.