Defense seeks to block videos of Charlie Kirk's killing in murder case, claims bias

Attorneys for the accused want to prevent 'highly biased' news coverage from tainting the trial.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Graphic videos showing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus went viral, drawing millions of views. Now, attorneys for the man charged in the shooting want a state judge to block such videos from being shown during a hearing and to oust TV and still cameras from the courtroom, arguing that 'highly biased' news outlets risk tainting the case. Prosecutors, attorneys for news organizations, and Kirk's widow urged the judge to keep the proceedings open.

Why it matters

Media coverage in high-profile cases can have a direct 'biasing effect' on potential jurors, according to legal experts. The defense team's concerns about the extensive video footage and analysis of the killing are valid, as this background information could shape how jurors see the evidence presented in court.

The details

Prosecutors have said DNA evidence connects Tyler Robinson to the killing of Charlie Kirk. Robinson reportedly texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he 'had enough of his hatred.' Robinson's attorneys have ramped up claims of bias as the case has advanced, even accusing news outlets of using lip readers to deduce what the defendant is whispering to his attorneys during court hearings. Further complicating efforts to ensure a fair trial is the political rhetoric swirling around Kirk, stemming from the role his organization played in Trump's 2024 election.

  • The shooting occurred on September 10.
  • A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

The players

Tyler Robinson

The man charged in the shooting of Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk

The conservative activist who was killed while speaking to a crowd on a Utah college campus.

Erika Kirk

The widow of Charlie Kirk.

Judge Tony Graf

The state District Judge presiding over the case.

Jeffrey Gray

The Utah County Attorney who testified about considering the death penalty in the case.

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What they’re saying

“In the absence of transparency, speculation, misinformation, and conspiracy theories are likely to proliferate, eroding public confidence in the judicial process. Such an outcome serves neither the interests of justice nor those of Ms. Kirk.”

— Erika Kirk's attorney

“There were videos about the killing, and pictures and analysis (and) the entire saga of how this particular defendant came to turn himself in. When jurors come to a trial with this kind of background information from the media, it shapes how they see the evidence that is presented in the courtroom.”

— Valerie Hans, Cornell Law School Professor

“The more delay, then it just creates all this unnecessary public speculation. I didn't want Erika Kirk to have to sit with the uncertainty.”

— Jeffrey Gray, Utah County Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the videos of Charlie Kirk's killing to be shown during the hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of ensuring a fair trial in a high-profile, politically charged murder case where extensive media coverage and viral videos could bias potential jurors, even as the public and the victim's family demand transparency.