Judge keeps Charlie Kirk murder hearing open to public, media

UPDATED:

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — A Utah judge has denied a request to close portions of the upcoming preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.

According to ABC4, Judge Tony Graf ruled Monday that the public and media will be allowed to attend the hearing, which is scheduled for July.

Defense attorneys argued that extensive media coverage could impact Robinson's right to a fair trial. However, the judge found the defense did not demonstrate that public access would prevent a fair hearing.

The preliminary hearing is expected to provide the first detailed look at evidence prosecutors plan to present in the case, including surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness testimony.

PROVO, Utah (KIFI) — Judge Tony Graf is expected to decide Monday whether to close portions of the upcoming preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Tyler Robinson, 23, is scheduled to appear in court July 6–10, where prosecutors must prove there is enough evidence to bring him to trial. Robinson's defense attorneys have motioned that parts of the hearing be closed to the public and the press, citing concerns that media coverage of the evidence presented could jeopardize Robinson’s right to a fair trial.

The prosecution has filed a motion urging the court to keep the proceedings open, but consented that the "media should be restricted from viewing or copying some exhibits that could be used in a future trial," according to the Associated Press.