UTAH COUNTY — Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson filed a motion seeking to hold prosecutors in contempt for alleged violations of a media restriction order issued by Judge Tony Graf. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 on the Utah Valley University campus.

Judge Graf previously issued an order restricting participants from discussing the case outside the courtroom. The defense's contempt motion addresses public comments made by prosecutors regarding a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk's body. Ballistics experts have been unable to immediately match the recovered bullet fragments to a firearm allegedly used by Robinson. Prosecutors have stated they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

Robinson, who is 23 years old and from southwestern Utah, has not yet entered a plea. Defense attorneys stated that prosecutors went on a "media tour" to discuss expert reports about the bullet fragment. Prosecutors stated they had a right to correct misinformation regarding an inconclusive preliminary finding by ballistics experts. Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard wrote, "The rules expressly allow lawyers to set the record straight."

The defense team did not specify what sanctions should be imposed on prosecutors if the judge finds them in contempt. Court filings by the defense team cited a previous criminal case where a judge considered prohibiting the state from seeking the death penalty as a potential remedy for prosecutorial contempt. Judge Graf stated he will issue a ruling on the contempt motion at a later date. Robinson's attorneys have requested that the judge pause proceedings pending an appeal of a June 1 order that allowed cameras in the courtroom. A hearing scheduled for next month will require prosecutors to demonstrate sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.