Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is attempting to block graphic video footage of the shooting from being introduced as evidence during an upcoming court hearing. The request has drawn widespread attention due to the disturbing nature of the footage, which was recorded just feet from Kirk at the time of the attack.
Robinson, 22, is charged with fatally shooting Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University last September. Kirk died from a gunshot wound to the neck. As reported by Fox News, Robinson’s legal team has filed a memorandum asking a Utah judge to prevent the video from being played at a hearing.
The defense argues the footage is not relevant to the issue before the court and that its release would undermine Robinson’s right to a fair trial. Attorneys also claim media coverage of the case has been highly biased and say they will again ask the court to prohibit cameras from the courtroom.
The defense says the footage has no bearing on the legal question at hand
According to court filings, Robinson’s attorneys contend the hearing is limited to whether the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office should be disqualified from prosecuting the case, similar to how a recent article discussed a Republicans backed ICE polling shift situation where legal strategies intertwined with public perception. They argue that introducing graphic video evidence serves no purpose in resolving that issue and would instead risk immediate and widespread publication if shown in open court.
The defense further notes that several videos of the shooting circulated online shortly after the killing. They describe the footage at issue as a color video with audio capturing unidentified voices before, during, and after the shooting, making it especially graphic and prejudicial, amid other reports, like the consumer confidence plunging after a decade.
Some legal experts have supported the argument. Chicago-based criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno told Fox News the defense’s position is sound, stating prosecutors do not need to rely on such footage to argue against a conflict of interest. Another defense attorney, Skye Lazaro, said she would not want the video played either, though she questioned how the judge might rule.
The conflict of interest claim centers on the allegation that the adult child of a deputy prosecutor was present at the shooting. Robinson’s attorneys argue this creates a conflict for the Utah County Attorney’s Office, while prosecutors have denied the claim and said the individual will not be used as a witness. The February 3 hearing is expected to include testimony from Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray, a deputy prosecutor, the prosecutor’s adult child, and a state investigator.
Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty, and he has not yet entered a plea.
Published: Jan 28, 2026 07:30 pm