The defense team representing Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, petitioned the Provo 4th District Court to allow him to appear at all court proceedings in civilian clothes and without physical restraints.

In a motion filed Thursday, defense attorney Kathryn Nester argued that if Robinson were to appear in jail attire, it could threaten his right to a fair trial by influencing a jury pool.

“In the modern age of ubiquitous internet access and unrelenting media attention to high-profile criminal cases, the prejudicial effect of a criminal defendant appearing in shackles, jail attire, and bulletproof or suicide vests at any hearing threatens fundamental fairness,” Nester said.

She added that “additional care” must be taken to ensure Robinson receives a fair trial because he faces the potential of the death penalty.

Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder, after he allegedly shot and killed Kirk, a conservative activist, with a rifle at a Sept. 10 event at Utah Valley University in Orem.

Nester addressed the “pervasive” media coverage of the case and said Robinson’s initial court hearing on Sept. 16 was streamed live and covered by outlets around the world, and that his physical appearance was and is “subject to endless scrutiny and speculation.”

She argued that showing Robinson in “jail garb, shackles, and a suicide vest” would “undoubtedly be viewed by prospective jurors and will inevitably lead to prospective juror perception that he is guilty and deserving of death.”

At a Sept. 29 waiver hearing, Nester requested to delay proceedings to a later date as her team reviews discovery. The request was granted by Judge Tony Graf, who moved the hearing to Oct. 30.

Robinson did not attend his first two court dates in person, but Graf requested that he be present for the Oct. 30 hearing.