• Fourth District Judge Tony Graf orders 80-page transcript released with only 246 words redacted
• Defense attorneys had sought camera ban and questioned if judge could prohibit describing Robinson’s appearance
• Transcript reveals October debate over courtroom attire, shackling and media access concerns

PROVO, UT (TDR) — A Utah judge ruled Monday that transcripts and audio from a closed October hearing in the murder case against Tyler Robinson will be made public with limited redactions, rejecting defense efforts to keep the proceedings sealed. Fourth District Judge Tony Graf emphasized that public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system.

Graf ordered release of an 80-page transcript from the Oct. 24 hearing with only 246 words redacted, primarily concerning security protocols for Robinson’s transport between jail and court. The transcript was posted to the public court docket by end of day Monday, while a redacted audio recording will take approximately two weeks to prepare.

Attorneys Debated Sweeping Media Restrictions

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The newly released transcript reveals attorneys in the closed-door hearing grappled with how to handle intense attention surrounding the case and whether restrictions were necessary to ensure Robinson receives a fair trial. The 22-year-old faces aggravated murder charges in connection with conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s Sept. 10 death at Utah Valley University.

One defense attorney suggested Graf could ban all cameras from the courtroom. Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard went further, proposing the judge could order journalists not to describe what Robinson looked like in court.

“We’re not litigating this case in the press,” defense attorney Richard Novak said during the October hearing, arguing that prohibiting cameras would be “very easy” for the court to enforce.

Robinson’s defense team wanted him to wear civilian clothes and appear unshackled during proceedings. Prosecutors worried that would make it harder for authorities to identify him if any courtroom threat emerged, according to the transcript.

Booking Photo Release Raised Concerns

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Defense attorney Novak expressed concern about statements already made by law enforcement and state leaders, including the unusual decision to release Robinson’s booking photo. Such photos are typically private under Utah law.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office did not release the photo and “was very concerned that it had been made public,” according to the transcript. Instead, Governor Spencer Cox’s office disseminated the image Sept. 12 after a news conference where Cox, FBI Director Kash Patel and other leaders announced Robinson’s arrest.

Graf Sets Courtroom Rules

Days after the closed-door hearing, Graf ruled Robinson could wear civilian clothes in pretrial hearings but must wear restraints for safety. Utah court rules require defendants in custody be restrained unless otherwise ordered.

However, Graf prohibited media from publishing photos or videos showing Robinson’s restraints to protect his presumption of innocence. The judge briefly stopped a media livestream earlier this month after Robinson’s attorneys said it showed shackles, warning he would terminate future broadcasts if violations continued.

Media Organizations Fight for Access

Attorneys representing media organizations argued the First Amendment guarantees press access as courts “do the public’s business.” Several national and local news organizations filed motions to preserve access.

Kirk’s widow, Erica, called for full transparency. Robinson’s attorneys countered by asking the court to consider the “realistic likelihood of prejudice” against their client from widespread photos of him shackled.

Graf Denies Media Intervention Request

Graf denied a request from media attorneys to formally intervene in the case, saying the press doesn’t need to be formal parties to access court records. However, he ordered prosecutors and defense attorneys must notify media outlets when requesting private hearings or records.

Robinson appeared virtually Monday from Utah County Jail. He remains held without bail.

Case Details and Charges

Robinson faces aggravated murder in Kirk’s Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where the Turning Point USA co-founder was speaking to 3,000 people. Investigators say Robinson fired a single shot from a building 140 yards away.

Additional charges include two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in front of children. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

Robinson turned himself in with his parents the night after the shooting at a sheriff’s office in southwest Utah. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18.

Can courts balance protecting a defendant’s right to fair trial against the public’s constitutional right to transparent proceedings in high-profile political cases?

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