Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, call for a ban on cameras after a report on the taxpayer burden.

Attorneys for Tyler Robinson argue that cameras at an upcoming hearing could threaten his right to a fair trial in the Charlie Kirk case.

Erica Kirk reacts to a Utah judge's ruling on Tyler Robinson's trial

Charlie Kirk's alleged killer is set to go to trial after Utah District Court Judge Tony Graff ruled that prosecutors can proceed with the case. Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty.

Attorneys for accused killer Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, are again asking a Utah judge to block courtroom cameras, this time before a hearing that could set a trial date — as they warn that scrutiny of the cost of his defense could jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

The hearing is not expected to include witness testimony, but Robinson's lawyers argue that continued coverage of Kirk's murder could have an "incremental adverse effect" that outweighs the benefits of video coverage for public understanding of the trial.

"Just a few weeks ago, the media reported on the defense spending," his lawyers wrote Monday in a filing challenging local media to send a camera to cover the Oct. 23 hearing. "With that background, defense counsel's statements at the upcoming hearing about the time and resources required to prepare this case will likely be scrutinized and disseminated in real time via social media and other media channels and viewed through the lens of cost, not within Mr. Robinson's legal rights to effective assistance of counsel, a fair trial, due process of law, and a credible sentencing."

The judge in the case of accused murderer Tyler Robinson explains why the death penalty remains on the table

Tyler Robinson, left, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, points to defense attorney Kathryn Nester during a hearing in 4th District Court in Provo on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County has paid Robinson's legal team $1.6 million since last month, exhausting a special $1 million earmarked from the state. High-profile homicide cases can cost millions to defend, especially if they go to trial.

Overhead typically includes expert witnesses, defense investigations, lab tests, and more. Some experts have predicted that Robinson's defense could cost as much as $10 million.

Judge allows cameras in Charlie Kirk assassination case, delays preliminary hearing

Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in 4th District Court in Provo, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via Pool)

His lawyers argued that the additional coverage, "risks reinforcing existing prejudicial perceptions of Mr. Robinson and his defense."

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"While the resulting litigation schedule may be newsworthy, there is little newsworthiness in the electronic recording and back-and-forth transmissions," Robinson's attorneys wrote, arguing that there was no agreement between the court and counsel on scheduling issues.

They have previously compared the media coverage of this case to a reality TV show and claimed that the cameras are distracting people and putting pressure on them.

Tyler Robinson's defense team fights to seal evidence and punish prosecutors in the Charlie Kirk murder

However, Judge Tony Graff Jr. has largely sided with the public, allowing cameras into most hearings under the terms of an orderly order.

Charlie Kirk murder: Timeline of University of Utah shooting, Tyler Robinson charged

Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk during the US Landmark event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in front of a crowd of approximately 3,000.

He could face the death penalty if convicted of the original murder charge.

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Other charges include discharging a firearm, causing great bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness and committing a violent crime in front of a child.

Kathy Nester, Robinson's lead attorney, entered a not guilty plea at a brief trial in September.

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