Tyler Robinson's defense seeks contempt charge against prosecutors over gag order violation

The defense team for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is seeking to hold prosecutors in contempt for allegedly violating a gag order, according to multiple media reports. Robinson is due in court in Utah on Friday.

The dispute centers on forensic evidence revealed by defense attorneys in March that suggested that a bullet jacket fragment recovered from Kirk’s body could not be conclusively matched to the rifle allegedly used in the killing.

The filing generated widespread media coverage and fueled speculation that Robinson could ultimately be exonerated.

In April, prosecutors pushed back against that interpretation in comments to reporters, arguing that the finding by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was “inconclusive,” rather than a definitive non-match. Prosecutors have maintained that they were merely correcting misinformation about the evidence.

Robinson’s attorneys claim those comments amounted to a prohibited “media tour” and violated the court’s restrictions on discussing the case publicly.

Kirk, a conservative activist, podcaster, and co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot in the neck and killed at an event on a Utah college campus in September 2025.

Robinson was arrested two days later. Investigators linked him to a modified Mauser Model 98 rifle found near the scene. Prosecutors have said DNA matching Robinson’s was recovered from the weapon’s trigger. Authorities have also cited text messages allegedly exchanged with Robinson’s transgender lover in which he confessed to the killing and detailed the plot.

In a separate legal battle, Robinson’s attorneys are seeking to delay proceedings while appealing the judge’s decision to allow cameras in court.

The defense argues that extensive televised coverage of witness testimony and evidence presented during the upcoming preliminary hearing in July could make it more difficult to seat an impartial jury. The jury-selection process would not begin until after the preliminary hearing concludes and the court rules on outstanding motions.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6-10, when prosecutors will seek to move the case toward trial. Robinson has not entered a plea. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.