Tyler Robinson Makes ‘Request’ To Utah Court Before Next Court Appearance In Charlie Kirk Case

The defence team for Tyler James Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, has filed a motion asking the court to permit him to appear in civilian clothing and without physical restraints throughout his pretrial proceedings.In court documents filed before Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. of the Fourth Judicial District Court in Utah County, Robinson’s attorneys argue that requiring their client to appear in jail-issued attire or restraints risks creating a perception of guilt among potential jurors, especially given the case’s global media attention. Tyler Robinson, the defendant in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, is seeking Utah court permission to wear “civilian clothing” and be “without visible restraints” during pretrial court hearings(MORE) pic.twitter.com/weIOFVgKSQ— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) October 15, 2025 “Given the pervasive media coverage in this case, the repeated display of Mr. Robinson in jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest will inevitably lead to prospective juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death,” the motion reads.Robinson, who faces seven state charges including aggravated murder, appeared virtually during his first court appearance on September 16, wearing a standard-issue detention vest. He has pleaded not guilty and could face the death penalty if convicted.Defence Cites Bryan Kohberger Case, Notes Defendant’s Good ConductRobinson’s defence motion draws parallels to the case of Bryan Kohberger, the Idaho man accused of killing four university students in 2022, whose attorneys successfully petitioned to have him appear in a suit and without handcuffs during pretrial hearings.“Mr. Robinson’s right to a fair trial demands that his physical presentation not influence public perception,” his attorneys wrote, adding that he has been “polite, deferential to jail staff, and without disciplinary issues” while held at the Utah County Jail. The defence has also requested that the hearing on this issue be private and closed to the public, citing security concerns.Court Orders Expedited Briefing, Interim Relief PendingIn an interim order dated October 14, Judge Graf acknowledged that the motion might not be resolved before the next scheduled hearing on October 30, 2025. He directed Robinson’s legal team to serve the motion on the Utah County Sheriff’s Office no later than October 15, with the State’s response due by October 20 and the defence reply by October 22.The court will also review Robinson’s request for temporary relief, including a one-time order allowing him to appear in civilian clothing and without restraints before a final decision is reached. Robinson remains detained without bond. Prosecutors have not commented on the defence motion.