(CN) - The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk can wear civilian clothes during court hearings, a Utah judge ruled Monday.
Fourth District Judge Tony Graf Jr. ruled that Tyler Robinson's presumption of innocence and the significant risk of prejudice outweighed the inconvenience of dressing him in regular clothes. That means the 22-year-old student from Washington, Utah, can wear civilian clothing instead of jail garb for all pretrial proceedings.
"The case has attracted extraordinary public and media attention," Graf said.
Robinson remains held on charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, committing violence in front of a child and two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Prosecutors say he fatally shot the conservative activist and Turning Point USA cofounder at a Sept. 10 rally at Utah Valley University.
While granting Robinson's request for civilian clothes, the judge denied a request that he wear no restraints during those hearings. Recognizing that Robinson has no criminal history, Graf noted that he faces life in prison and potentially death if convicted. Safety remains his top priority, the judge said, though he said officers should use the least restrictive restraints that allow Robinson to work with his attorneys.
The rulings came after a Friday hearing held behind closed doors. On Monday, attorneys sat quietly on video as Graf issued his decisions remotely. Robinson also appeared remotely, though he wasn't visible on camera.
The judge also found that the sheriff's office improperly joined in a prosecution motion opposing Robinson's request for civilian clothes and no restraints. The sheriff isn't a party to the case. Graf said his ruling didn't affect the sheriff office's ability to work with him on courtroom security.
Concerning requests to hold future hearings virtually and restrict certain media coverage, the judge said he needed to see separate motions filed on those issues before making a decision. Additionally, the parties need to request a hearing if they want one on those requests.
"Those issues are not yet ready for the court's decision," Graf said.
The judge did amend existing media rules on Monday. He said that media could take no photos or recordings of Robinson while entering or leaving the courtroom, or while standing.
Before ending the hearing, Graf noted that both sides had asked for the cancellation of a scheduled Thursday hearing. Attorneys are next expected to appear in person before Graf on Jan. 16, followed by a Jan. 30 hearing. Robinson is set to appear in person for those hearings.
Robinson has appeared in court only a handful of times since his arrest in connection with the murder of Kirk, 31.
The shooting - which happened while Kirk was speaking outside at a campus event - led to a manhunt for the suspected killer. Authorities soon released surveillance footage of a suspect and arrested Robinson two days later.
On Sept. 16, a Utah prosecutor announced that his office would seek the death penalty.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has said that Robinson confessed or implied his involvement in the shooting to a family member. A prosecutor said that Robinson texted his roommate, also a romantic partner, after the attack.
Agent interviews revealed that at a recent dinner, Robinson mentioned Kirk would appear at the Utah university and expressed his reasons for disliking the activist, adding that he believed Kirk spread hate, Cox said.
Turning Point USA champions conservative values at high schools and universities. Cofounded in 2012 by Kirk, its goal is to identify, educate and organize students, leading them to herald ideals like fiscal responsibility and limited government.
The organization boasts a presence on over 3,500 campuses, as listed on its website, calling itself the largest and fastest-growing youth group in the nation.
Source: Courthouse News Service
