Utah judge allows civilian clothes for Tyler Robinson, delays prelim

A Utah judge on Monday ruled that Tyler Robinson, the 22 year old charged with killing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, may wear civilian clothes during pretrial hearings but must remain physically restrained in court. District Judge Tony Graf also imposed limits on media photography and postponed Robinson's in person preliminary hearing to Jan. 16, 2026, with a subsequent hearing set for Jan. 30, 2026.

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and related counts in the shooting that prosecutors say occurred from a rooftop overlooking a crowded courtyard at UVU. Utah County prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty. Authorities have alleged that investigators recovered a high caliber Mauser .3006 rifle with Robinson's DNA, obtained text messages in which he admitted involvement, and reviewed security video that they say shows him at the scene before and after the shooting.

Robinson appeared remotely during Monday's hearing on a blacked out screen and spoke only to confirm he could hear the judge. Graf said the case has drawn extraordinary public attention and that images of Robinson in jail clothing or shackled could prejudice potential...