In Utah, the legal drama surrounding the alleged killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has taken a new turn.
Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect facing the death penalty, is asking the court to allow him to appear in civilian clothes and without shackles during his pretrial hearings.
Robinson, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder at Utah Valley University last month, appeared in court previously wearing a jail-issued “turtle suit,” an anti-suicide vest designed to prevent inmates from harming themselves.
Lawyers Argue Jail Gear Could Influence Jury
Robinson’s attorneys argue that seeing their client in jail clothing and restraints could unfairly sway potential jurors.
“With each development in the case generating thousands of articles and comments online, the likelihood of prospective jurors seeing Mr. Robinson in pretrial incarceration garb and drawing conclusions about his guilt or punishment will only increase,” they wrote in court filings reported by Court TV.
To support their request, the defense referenced the highly publicized Idaho case of Bryan Kohberger, who was permitted to wear a suit and appear unshackled during pretrial hearings, suggesting a similar allowance for Robinson.
Good Behavior and Closed Hearings Requested
The defense emphasized that Robinson has behaved politely and without incident while at the Utah County Jail.
They are also asking for any hearings on the clothing issue to be closed to the public to minimize media influence on jurors.
Robinson’s next court appearance is scheduled for October 30.
Currently, Robinson remains on suicide watch in jail.
He is required to wear a specially designed, thick anti-suicide smock, commonly known among inmates as a “turtle suit” or “pickle suit,” at all times.
These suits are made of a quilted material that cannot be torn or fashioned into a noose.
His watch cell also features cushioned walls and floors to prevent self-harm.
Arrest and Evidence Against Robinson
Authorities arrested Robinson when he voluntarily turned himself in with his parents at his hometown sheriff’s office, over three hours from the site of the shooting.
Prosecutors have since disclosed text messages and DNA evidence allegedly linking him to Kirk’s death.
A note Robinson left for his romantic partner before the shooting reportedly stated he planned to kill Kirk, describing the opportunity as something he would seize.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray shared that Robinson’s text included: “I had enough of his hatred.”
National Fallout and Political Reverberations
The assassination of Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, has sent shockwaves through Republican circles.
Trump has called Kirk a “martyr” for freedom and criticized what he described as the “radical left.”
In the aftermath, workers across the U.S. have faced scrutiny or punishment for speaking publicly about Kirk, including teachers, media figures, and even late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was temporarily suspended then reinstated by ABC.
Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, has long worked to engage young, evangelical Christians in politics through podcasts, social media, and campus events.
With Kirk gone, other prominent Republicans—including Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Mike Lee—are stepping in to continue the mission at planned campus events, including a major appearance at Utah State University.