A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of transcripts from a closed-door hearing in October concerning whether Tyler Robinson, charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk, must be shackled during court proceedings.
State District Judge Tony Graf stated the transcript must be available on the court docket by the end of the day. Attorneys representing various media outlets, including The Associated Press, had requested that details from the closed hearing be made public.
Robinson is facing aggravated murder charges for the fatal shooting of the conservative activist on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
Robinson's defense attorneys initially requested that he be permitted to appear in court without shackles or restraints to avoid potential bias among jurors. However, following the October 24 hearing, Judge Graf ruled that while Robinson could appear in civilian clothes, he must still wear restraints for safety reasons.
Graf, in a subsequent order, mentioned that the use of restraints would protect court staff and the defendant by allowing for quick securing in case of disruptions during proceedings.
On Monday, the judge reiterated that public transparency is a fundamental principle of the judicial system and ordered only limited redactions to the transcript, specifically those concerning security protocols related to the case.
The judge also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, albeit with certain redactions. Media lawyers argued that open court proceedings safeguard the integrity of the judicial process while fostering public trust.
In separate orders, Judge Graf stated that photographs or broadcasts showing Robinson's shackles must not be published by any media outlets.
Robinson appeared in court via audio link from the Utah County Jail, as he was not present physically. A preliminary hearing to outline the prosecution's case is set to occur the week of May 18.
