The man accused of assassinating conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk is now fighting to keep some of the most explosive evidence in the case away from the public.
Tyler Robinson, 23, is facing aggravated murder charges in the September 10 shooting death of Kirk at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have already signaled they plan to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
But before the case ever reaches a jury, Robinson’s defense team is trying to slam the brakes on public access to key pieces of evidence.
A Utah judge is expected to decide whether portions of Robinson’s upcoming preliminary hearing, scheduled for July 6 through July 10, should be closed to the media and the public.
Defense attorneys claim the massive attention surrounding Kirk’s killing could “poison” the jury pool and destroy Robinson’s chance at a fair trial.
The hearing is expected to offer the most detailed look yet at the prosecution’s case against Robinson. Prosecutors are expected to lay out the evidence they believe ties him directly to the fatal shooting.
According to court filings, investigators are expected to present surveillance footage, forensic reports, witness statements, autopsy findings, and alleged communications connected to the case.
While prosecutors are pushing back against closing the courtroom entirely, they have agreed that certain sensitive materials should remain confidential.
Among the evidence expected to take center stage are DNA findings that prosecutors say link Robinson to the alleged murder weapon.
Authorities claim DNA matching Robinson was found on the trigger of the rifle allegedly used in the attack. Investigators also say his DNA was discovered on a spent shell casing, two unfired rounds, and a towel believed to have been used to wrap the weapon after the shooting.
One of the most chilling pieces of alleged evidence is a note prosecutors say Robinson left for a romantic partner.
According to prosecutors, the message stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”
Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
His attorneys have also pushed to seal dozens of exhibits from public view, including Discord messages, text exchanges, video footage of the shooting, and the alleged note.
The defense argues that releasing those materials before trial could unfairly shape public opinion and make it harder to find an impartial jury.
Prosecutors, however, have accused the defense of moving too late and failing to provide enough detail to justify sealing large portions of the case.
The battle over what the public should be allowed to see comes as the high-profile murder case continues to draw national attention.
For now, the judge’s decision could determine whether Americans get an early look at the evidence prosecutors say proves their case — or whether some of the most disturbing details remain locked behind closed doors until trial.
