Tyler Robinson allowed to wear civilian clothes, but will be restrained for future hearings

SALT LAKE CITY — Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk, will be allowed to wear civilian clothing in all future court hearings, a judge ruled Monday.

Graf said that images of Robinson appearing in jail clothing could influence future jury selection and granted the defense’s request for him to wear civilian clothes during all pre-trial hearings.

“Mr. Robinson’s right to the presumption of innocence outweighs the minimal inconvenience of preventing civilian attire,” Graf said.

However, Graf denied the request to remove physical restraints while Robinson appears in court to keep the public, the court and Robinson safe.

“The safety of Mr. Robinson, the attorneys, court staff, and the public must remain the court’s highest priority. The emotional nature of these proceedings also raises the risk of disruption,” Graf said.

Graf ordered the sheriff’s office to “use the least restrictive restraints” on Robison as long as it “maintains safety.”

If the restraints prevent Robison from participating in court hearings, like taking notes, Graf said they will review the motion.

Graf also set rules on what the media can photograph and record in the hearings, ordering that no images and videos of Robinson with restraints can be published, citing that this case is high profile.

“Restricting the recording of restraints strikes the proper balance between Mr. Robinson’s right to a fair proceeding and the public’s right to access and transparency,” he said.

It was also ordered that no images and videos of Robinson entering, leaving, or standing in the courtroom can be published.

The judge also ruled on the sheriff’s office’s involvement in the case after Robinson’s attorneys filed a motion to strike a response that appeared to have been filed by the Utah County Attorney’s Office and the sheriff’s office.

“Where the sheriff’s office has not provided any authority affording it standing to file a pleading in a criminal case, and where (the attorney’s office) has made no effort to distinguish its own position from that of the sheriff’s office, the response should be stricken,” the defense motion stated last week.

Graf said that the joint filing with the sheriff’s office and the state was “improper” and agreed with the defense. However, the judge said the office provides courtroom security and is authorized to work with the state on this.

Robinson was present for the hearing, but he appeared remotely from the Utah County Jail with his camera off and did not speak during the hearing.

The next hearing for Robinson will be on Jan. 16 and a second hearing on Jan. 30.

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