The Utah man accused of fatally shooting conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk wants to put his murder case on hold as he fights to limit the media’s access to court hearings.
Tyler Robinson, 23, requested the pause as he appeals a ruling from a trial judge allowing the press to film and photograph him in the courtroom, new court documents show.
In addition to trying to delay his entire case, Robinson said it wouldn’t be fair for a multi-day hearing to go forward next month with news cameras present while the appeal court has yet to rule on his bid to keep the press out.
Robinson — who could face the death penalty if convicted — has sought from the outset of his case to broadly restrict the media’s access, including by asking to seal certain court hearings, papers and evidence and claiming images of him in court endanger his right to get a fair trial.
He’s claimed he’s been villainized in news coverage which could prejudice potential jurors against him.
Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk, has been granted victim representative rights in the case and has pushed for as much access as possible for the public.
Robinson is accused of assassinating the Turning Point USA co-founder in front of a crowd of thousands as he was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10.