Tyler Robinson, the individual accused of attempting to murder Charlie Kirk, has requested that a Utah judge allow him to appear in civilian attire instead of his prison uniform during court proceedings—citing a precedent set in the case of convicted killer Bryan Kohberger.
Attorneys representing the 22-year-old suspect argue that images depicting him in handcuffs and a jumpsuit could sway jury perceptions unfavorably—leading them to presume guilt and that he is “worthy” of capital punishment. This assertion forms part of a detailed 21-page motion submitted on Thursday in Utah’s 4th District Court.
“In light of significant public attention, permitting Mr. Robinson to don civilian apparel for court hearings is a minor adjustment compared to the serious concerns regarding the fairness of securing an impartial jury,” the defense stated in their motion to District Judge Tony Graf.
“With each new development in the case generating numerous articles and online commentary, the possibility that potential jurors will see Mr. Robinson in obvious signs of pretrial confinement—leading them to make assumptions about his guilt and the severity of his potential punishment—will only grow,” the filing emphasizes.
Robinson, accused of fatally shooting the conservative figure at an event on September 10 at Utah Valley University, was seen previously ‘dressed’ in a “suicide smock” during a digital court appearance.
“Considering the extensive media scrutiny surrounding this case, the constant exposure of Mr. Robinson in prison attire, shackles, and in a suicide vest will undoubtedly create biased perceptions about his guilt among potential jurors,” the motion claims.
A footnote in the legal documentation also references Kohberger’s high-profile case, where he was permitted to wear a suit and was not handcuffed during pretrial appearances.
However, the presentation in court did not benefit Kohberger, who received a life sentence without the possibility of parole in July for the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—in November 2022.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder and other related offenses and could face the death penalty under Utah law—a consequence publicly supported by President Trump, a close associate of Kirk.
Utah remains one of the few states that still employs firing squads as a method of execution.
Robinson has yet to enter a plea regarding his charges.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
