Utah judge opens public preliminary hearing in Kirk murder

A Utah judge has ruled that the preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing activist Charlie Kirk will be open to the public, rejecting a defense request to close portions of the proceedings. Judge Tony Graf issued the ruling during a virtual hearing on Monday.

Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 shooting death of Kirk at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have stated they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea and is being held without bail.

Robinson’s attorneys had argued that public access to evidence and testimony presented at the upcoming July 6-10 preliminary hearing could receive widespread media coverage and prejudice potential jurors, undermining his right to a fair trial. They specifically sought to seal exhibits, including Discord and text messages, a written note, and video of the shooting.

Judge Graf denied the motion, stating that the public and media enjoy a presumptive right to access court proceedings. He found the defense had raised generalized concerns without identifying specific evidence that would justify closing the courtroom. The judge noted that much of the evidence...