Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, charged with the September 10 murder of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, are seeking to block prosecutors from playing video footage of the shooting during an upcoming February 3 hearing. The motion argues that the graphic close-up video, complete with audio of the incident, has no relevance to the defense’s claim of a conflict of interest in the Utah County Attorney’s Office and would prejudice Robinson’s right to a fair trial if aired publicly.
The defense filing objects to the admission of “Exhibit 4.1,” described as a color, close-up video with audio capturing the moments immediately before, during, and after the shooting of Charlie Kirk. Robinson’s attorneys argue the video is inadmissible under Utah Rules of Evidence and should remain sealed even if admitted at trial. They contend it has no bearing on the core issue of the hearing, whether a prosecutor’s adult child being present at the event creates a conflict requiring disqualification of the office.
The motion warns that if the hearing is televised, the video would be subject to immediate nationwide and international publication, inflicting “vast pre-trial damage” on Robinson. It calls the footage “graphic and likely highly disturbing to any person who views it,” negatively impacting his constitutional right to a fair trial by tainting potential jurors.
The filing also includes a broader attack on media coverage, accusing traditional and social media of subjecting every statement, ruling, and observation in the case to “micro-surgery” and widespread dissemination long before an impartial jury is seated. It references repeated violations of the court’s decorum order, particularly telescopic shots of Robinson and his counsel conferring at the table, and claims these have fueled unfounded speculation, including lip-reading interpretations.
Before the February 3 hearing, Robinson will again move to prohibit videographers and still photographers from capturing close-up images of him at counsel table. The defense argues such images serve no legitimate purpose and only fuel rampant speculation about his state of mind.
The hearing centers on the defense’s allegation that the Utah County Attorney’s Office has a conflict because a prosecutor’s daughter was present when Kirk was killed. Prosecutors maintain the family member saw nothing material and no conflict exists, accusing the defense of stall tactics. Judge Tony Graf has allowed limited witness examination on the conflict claim but found insufficient evidence so far to disqualify the office. He previously blocked pool cameras from showing Robinson speaking with counsel after similar defense complaints about potential lip-reading prejudice.
The case remains highly charged, with Robinson pleading not guilty and facing life in prison if convicted. The outcome of the February 3 hearing could significantly shape the trial’s trajectory.
