Charlie Kirk murder suspect's trial already thrown into jeopardy

The trial for Charlie Kirk's alleged killer was thrown into turmoil Thursday when lawyers for suspect Tyler Robinson claimed his rights were violated by a courtroom livestream. 

Attorneys for the 22-year-old Utah man allege that his shackles and some key documents were visible on the stream, threatening his right to a fair trial during his first public appearance since the killing. 

Judge Tony Graf appeared to agree: 'It was my understanding that during the open portion of this hearing earlier, that there was a violation of the standing decorum order as it relates to transmission of proceedings.'

However, Judge Graf would not grant to the defense's request to have the cameras thrown out, instead briefly adjourning to move the camera to a different angle. 

The judge has previously prohibited media from filming or photographing Robinson's restraints after his attorneys argued widespread images of him shackled and in jail clothing could prejudice future jurors. 

He has already made allowances to protect Robinson's presumption of innocence before a trial, agreeing that the case has drawn 'extraordinary' public attention.

The judge held a closed hearing on October 24 in which attorneys discussed Robinson's courtroom attire and security protocols. 

Under a subsequent ruling by the judge, Robinson is allowed to wear street clothes in court during his pretrial hearings but must be physically restrained due to security concerns. 

The media presence at Utah hearings is already limited, with judges often designating one photographer and one videographer to document a hearing and share their images with other news organizations. 

Additional journalists can typically attend to listen and take notes, as can members of the public. 

Michael Judd, an attorney for the media coalition, has urged Graf to let the news organizations weigh in on any future requests for closed hearings or other limitations.

Judd wrote in recent filings that an open court 'safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process' while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. 

Criminal cases in the US have long been open to the public, which he argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters as they work to keep the public informed.

Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, has called for full transparency, saying, 'We deserve to have cameras in there.' 

Her husband was an ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism.

Robinson's legal team says his pretrial publicity reaches as far as the White House, with Trump announcing soon after Robinson's arrest, 'With a high degree of certainty, we have him,' and 'I hope he gets the death penalty.'

Attorney Kathy Nester has raised concern that digitally altered versions of Robinson's initial court photo have spread widely, creating misinformation about the case. 

Some altered images show Robinson crying or having an outburst in court, which did not happen.

It was the first time Robinson was seen in person after making previous court appearances via video or audio feed from jail. 

He was seen smiling as he engaged in deep conversation with his legal team before the hearing started.

As he entered the courtroom he smiled at the people sitting in a row reserved for family, where his mother teared up and wiped her eyes with a tissue. 

Kirk was fatally shot in front of a crowd of hundreds of people on September 10 while holding a live debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Robinson first appeared before the court system in September in the week after Kirk's assassination. 

He appeared disheveled and expressionless as the judge read out the charges against him which include capital murder. 

Authorities say Robinson held a 'leftist ideology' and may have been 'radicalized' online before he was arrested for killing the MAGA influencer.