The man accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus one month ago is asking a judge to allow him to appear in civilian clothes and without shackles or cuffs during upcoming court appearances.
According to Fox News, in a 21-page motion, attorneys for 22-year-old Tyler Robinson argued that such measures are necessary to protect his constitutional right to a fair trial, citing the case of Idaho student murderer Bryan Kohberger as precedent. They also requested a closed-door hearing to address the issue of physical restraints.
“In the face of worldwide scrutiny, permitting Mr. Robinson to wear civilian clothing for court appearances is a minor inconvenience compared to the already present concerns with securing a fair trial before an impartial jury,” Robinson’s lawyers wrote to Judge Tony Graf.
Video of the Sept. 10 assassination — which captured Kirk being shot through the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University — spread rapidly across social media minutes after the attack. Kirk, 31, was a married father of two.
“With each development in the case generating thousands of articles and comments online, the likelihood of potential jurors seeing and drawing conclusions regarding Mr. Robinson’s guilt and or deserved punishment from obvious signs of pretrial incarceration will only increase,” his lawyers continued.
They added that “the repeated and ubiquitous display” of images showing their client in an orange jumpsuit “will inevitably lead to prospective juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death.”
The defense also emphasized Robinson’s behavior behind bars, noting that he has been “well-behaved in custody” and has no prior criminal record.
Robinson was arrested 33 hours after the shooting and charged with aggravated murder, obstruction, and witness tampering. Prosecutors have said he could face the death penalty if convicted.
Investigators allege Robinson hid the murder weapon near the scene and that his DNA was found on it. They also claim he took responsibility for the killing in messages to family, friends, and his trans romantic partner, who is cooperating with authorities.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 30.
