Judge Tony Graf Jr. pushed accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing into July and rejected a bid to ban cameras from the courtroom, marking significant pretrial developments in the high-profile case.
Graf moved the preliminary hearing to July 6 through July 10, and denied Robinson’s motion to ban cameras and electronic media from the courtroom, allowing continued media coverage as the case moves forward.
The delay comes as both sides continue to receive and process a large and growing volume of evidence. Prosecutors told the court discovery is ongoing, including materials from federal agencies, while the defense said it recently received another batch of roughly 1,600 files.
Graf said the continuance was necessary to ensure Robinson’s attorneys have adequate time to review the evidence, calling it important to protect the defendant’s constitutional right to effective counsel.
At the same time, the judge acknowledged the competing interests of the victim’s family and the public in seeing the case move forward without unnecessary delay.
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The judge also made clear the scope of a preliminary hearing is limited, focused on whether prosecutors can establish probable cause, not determining guilt or innocence, but said the defense still needs sufficient time to prepare given the volume of material.
On cameras, the defense argued that extensive pretrial publicity could prejudice jurors, citing survey data showing 99 percent of respondents in Utah County were aware of the case and 64 percent believed Robinson was guilty based on media coverage.
Defense experts also testified that ongoing media coverage, particularly commentary surrounding livestreamed proceedings, could reinforce bias and influence how potential jurors process evidence.
Graf ultimately found those concerns did not justify a blanket ban on cameras.
He said Utah law requires courts to evaluate electronic media access on a request-by-request basis tied to specific proceedings, rather than impose a sweeping prohibition based on generalized concerns about publicity.
The judge also pointed to a practical distinction raised during the hearing, that only about 25 percent of the public is actually watching live court proceedings, while most people consume coverage through commentary and social media, something a camera ban would not necessarily prevent.
Graf further noted that safeguards are already in place to protect the integrity of the proceedings, including limits on camera placement, courtroom decorum rules and restrictions on what attorneys can say publicly about the case.
The ruling means cameras will remain in the courtroom for now as the case continues to draw intense public attention.
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Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, in the September 2025 killing of Turning Point USA founder Kirk. The case has generated national interest and is eligible for the death penalty.
A legal analyst said the defense’s strategy may extend beyond immediate pretrial rulings.
Former assistant U.S. attorney and criminal defense attorney Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital the motions could be part of a broader effort to preserve issues for appeal.
“The defense is probably thinking that if they raise these motions, whether it’s to exclude cameras in the courtroom or to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office, they’re creating potential issues on appeal, even if Judge Graf denies those motions,” Rahmani said.
“So if Tyler Robinson is sentenced to death, he may have more arguments that both state and federal appellate judges will be looking at if he is on death row.“
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Robinson’s attorneys previously argued they had received more than 600,000 files and that discovery remains incomplete and complex, with one expert estimating it could take months to fully review the evidence.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have emphasized the importance of transparency, arguing that allowing cameras in the courtroom helps counter misinformation and ensures public trust in the proceedings.
During an April hearing, social psychologist Bryan Edelman, a witness called by the defense, said news coverage of the assassination of Kirk and Robinson’s alleged involvement included “sensationalized” content.
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Cole Christiansen, an investigator with the Utah County Attorney’s Office, argued that media coverage “went both ways” and wasn’t one-sided.
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“I think the tone of it went both ways. I think some of the tone of it was negative toward the prosecution and some of it was negative toward the defense as well. Some of it was negative toward Erika Kirk, and some of it was negative toward Charlie Kirk,” he said.
“We strongly support open and transparent proceedings in this case, so that the public will trust the process here,” Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said during the April hearing. “There are conspiracy theories that abound. There are questions being raised, and the best antidote for falsehood is the truth in accuracy. It’s the actual real proceedings. And that’s why we favor opening this court and allowing the cameras in the courtroom.”
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In late March, Robinson’s attorneys asked Graf for a minimum six-month delay for the preliminary hearing, arguing they aren’t capable of reviewing the “voluminous” files received by prosecutors for discovery, which aren’t yet complete.
Robinson’s attorneys had sought a lengthy delay, arguing discovery is voluminous and complex. One defense expert said she would need months to review the evidence.
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“Discovery in this case is incomplete, voluminous, and the processing of it is complex,” the defense team wrote.
One of the defense’s experts, a forensic biologist, said she would need six months to review the evidence.
Robinson faces multiple charges after he allegedly killed Kirk, who founded TPUSA, on Sept. 10, 2025, including aggravated murder. His charges are death penalty eligible.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court again on May 19 at 9 a.m. for an in-person hearing, ahead of the preliminary hearing now set for July 6 through July 10.
Fox News Digital reached out to Robinson’s attorney.
