Judge rules redacted transcript of hearing with alleged Kirk assassin can be released

A Utah judge on Monday ruled that the transcript and audio recording of a closed-door hearing in the criminal case against the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk must be made public with some redactions.

Judge Tony Graf said during a remote hearing that he expected the redacted transcript to be available by the end of the day Monday. The audio recording will be released later, he ruled, after the redactions are completed in about two weeks.

The transcript stemmed from an Oct. 24 hearing where arguments were heard over whether Tyler Robinson, Kirk’s alleged assassin, could wear plain clothes during his court appearances and remain unshackled. Graf later ruled that Robinson may wear what he wishes instead of jail garb but would remain restrained.

The judge on Monday said the redactions include discussions of security measures but exclude some defense requests on details that are “already part of the public arena.” The rejected redactions are detailed in Robinson’s charges, “whether directly or indirectly,” he said.

“If this information poses a risk of violating defendant’s right to a fair trial, defendant’s first line of defense is found in the rules of evidence in criminal procedure,” Graf ruled.

Graf also denied a request to treat the media as a limited party in the case and notify news outlets of impending closed-door hearings or sealed documents, but he said the parties must still provide notification in some instances.

Robinson’s attorneys have argued that broad public access via cameras in the courtroom, coupled with intense media coverage, could threaten his right to a fair trial, but media outlets — and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk — have called for transparency.

Utah state prosecutors charged Robinson with aggravated murder and six other counts after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in the neck with a single bullet on Sept. 10 while giving a talk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Investigators found bullet casings engraved with messages seeming to reference internet meme culture and antifascist efforts, and court filings referenced conversations Robinson allegedly had with his roommate, with whom he was apparently in a romantic relationship, about needing to recover a rifle.

The state intends to seek the death penalty, which President Trump called for in the wake of Kirk’s killing. However, Utah County Attorney General Jeff Gray (R) said the decision to pursue capital punishment was made “independently.”

Graf set Robinson’s next court appearance for Jan. 16.

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