Defense Seeks Closed Hearing and Sealed Evidence in Charlie Kirk Case

Lawyers for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk will argue in court Tuesday to close portions of an upcoming evidentiary hearing and seal some evidence, citing concerns about pretrial publicity. The hearing marks the latest development in a case that has drawn significant public attention and raised questions about balancing a defendant's right to a fair trial with public access to court proceedings.

Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes in the Sept. 10 shooting of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus. Prosecutors have stated they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.

State District Judge Tony Graf recently rejected a defense request to ban news cameras from the courtroom but has taken other steps to protect Robinson's rights. The defense now seeks to close parts of the preliminary hearing, scheduled for July, and to seal dozens of exhibits. In that hearing, prosecutors must demonstrate they have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Defense attorneys argue that broadcasting the proceedings creates a media frenzy that could misrepresent their client and bias potential...