VIDEO The first images of the suspect in the case of the murder of Charlie Kirk in front of the court. Decision made by the judge before the start of the trial

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspected of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah campus in September, appeared in court for the first time on Thursday as a judge deliberated on media access to the high-profile case, according to the BBC.

Attorneys for the suspect and the Utah County Sheriff's Office, where the case is being heard, asked the judge to ban video cameras from the courtroom, fearing the media coverage could prejudice a fair trial.

Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and a coalition of national and local news organizations pushed for transparency, and on Thursday the judge agreed to allow cameras into the courtroom.

Tyler Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, and could face the death penalty if convicted. He has yet to enter a plea. He surrendered to authorities after an intense manhunt following the shooting of Kirk at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.

The accused arrived in the courtroom on Thursday with handcuffs on his hands and feet. He was wearing a shirt, tie and trousers and smiled at family members sitting in the front row of the auditorium, according to CBS, the BBC's US news partner. His mother, father and brother were with him in the courtroom.

Public transparency was requested in this case

A coalition of national and local news organizations wants to preserve media access to the case, advocating for transparency and public accessibility. They are pushing for the release of the recording and transcript of an October hearing in the case.

Erika Kirk, who has fought conspiracy theories about her husband's death, also called for transparency in the case. Last month on Fox News, she declared: “We deserve to have cameras there.”

Part of Thursday's hearing was devoted to reviewing the audio recording and transcript of an October hearing that was closed to the public. The judge is still reviewing this matter.

Another part of the hearing was streamed online for public viewing.

“I need to hear what should or shouldn't be sealed or protected, and it wouldn't be beneficial for everyone to hear what should be sealed,” Judge Tony Graf said.

He originally intended to hand down the rulings on Thursday, but postponed them to December 29. “I have to be strict in my approach, it's an important matter. I'm going to do that,” the magistrate said.

However, he decided to issue a publicity order in the case, barring lawyers for both sides from making out-of-court statements.

In October, the judge allowed the defendant to wear civilian clothes during preliminary hearings to avoid prejudice to potential jurors, but required him to wear handcuffs during hearings.

Photographing or filming him in handcuffs is not allowed.

The defendant is scheduled to appear in person at the next hearing, on January 16.