The young man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah campus last September appeared in person in court for the first time on Thursday, as a judge deliberated on the extent of media access to this high-profile case.

The lawyers for Tyler Robinson, 22, and the Utah County Sheriff's Office had asked the judge to ban cameras in the courtroom, fearing that media coverage could jeopardize a fair trial. Kirk's widow and a coalition of national and local media outlets advocated for transparency, and on Thursday a judge agreed to allow cameras in the courtroom. The defendant faces several charges, including aggravated murder, and could be sentenced to death if convicted. He has not yet pleaded guilty or innocent.

In shackles

Robinson surrendered to authorities after an intense manhunt following the shooting of Kirk at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.

The accused confessed the crime to his father, who recognized him in images released by authorities and ultimately convinced him to turn himself in, according to officials.

On Thursday, the accused arrived at the courthouse in shackles on his wrists and ankles.

He was wearing a shirt, tie, and pants and smiled at his family members, who were seated in the front row of the courtroom, according to CBS, the BBC's partner in the United States. His mother, father, and brother were present in court. A coalition of national and local media outlets is seeking to preserve press access to the case, arguing in favor of transparency and public access. They are pressing for the release of a recording and transcript of an October hearing related to the case. Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, who has been fighting conspiracy theories about her husband's death, has also called for transparency in the case. Last month, on Fox News, she stated, "We deserve to have cameras present." Part of Thursday's hearing involved reviewing an audio recording and transcript of a closed-door hearing from October. The judge is still examining this matter.

Confidentiality Order

Another part of the hearing was streamed online for the public to view.

“I need to hear what information should or should not be kept secret or protected, and it would not be appropriate for everyone to hear what should be confidential,” Judge Tony Graf said.

He had initially planned to issue his rulings on Thursday, but postponed them until December 29 because he prefers “to do it right and take more time, rather than act rashly and make a mistake.”

“I must be precise in my approach; shackles during the hearings. Photographs and videos of him in shackles are not permitted. The defendant must appear in person at the next hearing, which will take place on January 16. Click here to read more stories from BBC News Mundo. Subscribe here to our new newsletter to receive a selection of our best content of the week every Friday. You can also follow us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and our WhatsApp channel. And remember that you can receive notifications in our app. Download the latest version and activate them.Judge Tony Graf said.

He had initially planned to issue his rulings on Thursday, but postponed them until December 29 because he prefers “to do it right and take more time, rather than act rashly and make a mistake.”

“I must be precise in my approach; it is an important matter. I intend to be,” Judge Graf stated.

However, he did issue a gag order in the case, prohibiting lawyers for both sides from making any out-of-court statements.

In October, the judge allowed the defendant to wear civilian clothing during preliminary hearings to avoid influencing potential jurors, but required him to wear shackles during the hearings.

No photographs or videos of him in shackles are permitted.

The defendant is required to appear in person at the next hearing, which will take place on January 16.