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“It has been pretty odd that the information tap was at full blast for a little while and now it’s completely shut off,” Bonakdar said. “It’s really kind of inconsistent with how you see cases move forward typically.”
Bonakdar added that initial reports from the case included details such as audio recordings of Robinson and a supposed confession, as well as surveillance video from a local fast-food restaurant. “They were very, very almost oversharing in the beginning,” he explained.
Now, the court has limited access to most proceedings. “They’ve shut that tap off and they’re saying you can’t even come to court and hear about what we’re doing when most of it’s probably procedural,” Bonakdar said.
Thursday’s hearing is expected to be in person and as open to the public as possible, according to court instructions. However, no details from the Oct. 24 hearing may be publicly shared. In addition, strict rules govern how Robinson may be presented: he cannot be photographed or filmed while shackled, must remain seated, and personal images of his family are prohibited. Reporters must comply with specific courtroom behavior orders.
Similar restrictions have previously caused delays. A prior hearing was postponed due to disputes over whether Robinson could wear jail clothing in court, raising concerns that his appearance could influence public perception.
Bonakdar said that security concerns are the likely reason Robinson has appeared mostly via video. “They’re gonna say that Tyler Robinson is a security risk… he’s at risk for being hit by someone who wants to seek revenge,” he explained. While acknowledging the rationale, he added, “it is very clearly a deviation from the norm.”
Despite heightened public interest, Bonakdar warned that Thursday’s hearing will have a narrow focus. “It’s going to be a bit of a one-trick pony. It’s going to be about this order to seal,” he said, noting that the hearing was specifically scheduled to address media concerns that secrecy may infringe on First Amendment rights.
Whether the hearing will clarify procedures or impose further restrictions remains uncertain. Bonakdar emphasized the importance of public understanding as the case slowly moves toward trial, which he cautioned could still be more than a year away. “At the very least, the public needs to understand the procedural posture of the case,” he said.
As the nation watches, the Robinson case underscores tensions between media transparency, courtroom security, and the rights of both victims and the accused. Thursday’s proceedings could set a key precedent for how this high-profile case is reported in the coming months.
