Defense seeks civilian attire for Tyler Robinson at hearings

Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson have asked a Utah judge to allow the 22-year-old, who is accused of killing activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, to appear at upcoming in-person court hearings unshackled and wearing civilian clothing instead of jail attire. The 21-page motion, filed this week in Utah’s 4th District Court, argues that visible restraints and prison garb during pretrial proceedings would undermine Robinson’s presumption of innocence and jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge and six additional counts, including discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice and tampering with a witness. Prosecutors say he could be eligible for the death penalty under state law. He was arrested after an approximately 33-hour manhunt and has been held in the Utah County Jail since he was booked Sept. 12. Jail officials say he is being confined in the facility’s Special Housing Unit under a special watch status pending mental health clearance, and he has been barred from posting bond. His next scheduled court appearance is Oct. 30.

The motion contends that broad media attention and online commentary make it likely...