The pre-trial proceedings for Tyler Robinson, 22, the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, are ongoing.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has called on the judge to ensure “meaningful media access” throughout the trial. A federal court ruling previously permitted media coverage in the courtroom, but Erika Kirk’s legal filing urges the court to maintain that access following the defense’s request to exclude media from proceedings.
In a Monday court submission to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, Fourth Judicial District, Erika Kirk stated: “As this Court is aware, this matter has received significant public attention. This public attention cannot be ignored. And although it is critical that this Court balance the defendant’s right to a fair trial with the public’s First Amendment right of access to judicial proceedings, any request by either party to essentially close these court proceedings from the public eye should be denied.”
The filing emphasized that without transparent oversight, conspiracy theories and misinformation could spread, undermining public confidence in the judicial system. Erika Kirk further noted: “Without meaningful access to these proceedings, the public will be unable to directly observe and evaluate the evidence presented, leaving a critical gap in understanding the circumstances surrounding his death.”
Charlie Kirk was shot on September 10 during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University attended by approximately 3,000 people. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in connection with the incident. Erika Kirk described the emotional toll of the assassination: “When you go after my family, my Turning Point USA family, my Charlie Kirk Show family, when you go after the people that I love, and you’re making hundreds and thousands of dollars every single episode going after the people that I love because somehow they’re in on this.”
Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty for Robinson. A jury trial is scheduled for Tuesday.