Grassley Echoes Erika Kirk S Call For Cameras In The Courtroom

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 10:45 PM

grassley echoes erika kirk s call for cameras in the courtroom

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of IowaChairman, Senate Judiciary Committee“Cameras in the Courtroom”Tuesday, November 4, 2025 I want to complement Erika Kirk, wife of assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk. She has made an emotional appeal to have cameras in the courtroom at the trial of her husband’s murderer. I commend her for this brave plea, because it fits in with a stand I’ve been taking for the last couple of decades. Courts at both the state and federal level have a massive impact on our daily lives and the lives of generations to come, yet few Americans get the chance to see the nation’s courts... "I've long held the view that cameras should be present in the federal courts, including the Supreme Court," Sen.

Chuck Grassley said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley on Tuesday joined Erika Kirk in calling for cameras in the courtroom for the trial of her husband's alleged murderer, adding that all courts should have them for... "I want to complement [sic] Erika Kirk, wife of assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk," Grassley said on the Senate floor, referring to the Turning Point USA founder who was killed at Utah Valley University... "She has made an emotional appeal to have cameras in the courtroom at the trial of her husband’s murderer. I commend her for this brave plea, because it fits in with a stand I’ve been taking for the last couple of decades. "Courts at both the state and federal level have a massive impact on our daily lives and the lives of generations to come, yet few Americans get the chance to see the nation’s courts...

"That’s almost totally true of federal courts. I believe most states do allow cameras in the courtroom, although [it’s] not necessarily required under state procedure in state courtrooms. "I’ve long held the view that cameras should be present in the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, because what I said about state courts is not yet a requirement in federal courts. Cameras would boost transparency and [help] Americans grow in confidence and understanding of the judiciary if we had cameras in the federal courtrooms," Grassley continued. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee chair, praised Erika Kirk for what he called a brave plea to have cameras in the courtroom for her husband's accused assassin while speaking on the Senate floor...

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed support for Erika Kirk’s recent call to allow cameras in the courtroom during the trial of her husband’s alleged murderer. Erika Kirk is the widow of Charlie Kirk, a conservative leader who was assassinated. In remarks delivered on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Grassley acknowledged Erika Kirk’s appeal and connected it to his own long-standing advocacy for increased transparency in federal courts. “I want to complement Erika Kirk, wife of assassinated conservative leader Charlie Kirk. She has made an emotional appeal to have cameras in the courtroom at the trial of her husband’s murderer. I commend her for this brave plea, because it fits in with a stand I’ve been taking for the last couple of decades,” Grassley said.

Grassley noted that while many state courts allow cameras in their courtrooms, this practice is not required at the federal level. He stated his belief that introducing cameras would increase public understanding and confidence in judicial proceedings: “Courts at both the state and federal level have a massive impact on our daily lives and the... He added that “Cameras would boost transparency and [help] Americans grow in confidence and understanding of the judiciary if we had cameras in the federal courtrooms.” Grassley referenced resistance from some Supreme Court justices... Concluding his remarks, Grassley reiterated his position: “But I happen to believe that cameras in the federal courts, like state courts, would boost transparency and help Americans grow in confidence and understanding of the... When pivotal moments in history happen, we shouldn’t be timid in calling for greater transparency that history demands in the federal courts.” Q: Why are you continuing to push for cameras in federal courtrooms?

A: Opening up the federal courthouse to cameras would help foster civic engagement and boost public confidence in our legal system. As a watchdog for good government, I’ve led a crusade for nearly three decades to let the sun shine on federal court proceedings so people can see the wheels of justice in action and... My legislative efforts align with the intent of the founding fathers who believed public trials would help prevent abusive government power and uphold public confidence in the justice system. John Adams said the right to a trial by jury, along with representative government, serve as the “heart and lungs of liberty.” Although American life in the 21st century is much different than in the 18th century, the founding principles must remain ironclad as a check on government power to uphold America’s promise of freedom and... Allowing cameras in the courtroom would give the American people a front row seat to the federal judiciary, a co-equal branch of the federal government that has tremendous influence over civic life and the...

Transparency brings accountability. Just consider, cameras have captured every minute of Senate floor proceedings since 1986. Earlier this year, I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 39th anniversary of C-SPAN 2’s gavel-to-gavel Senate coverage, connecting the American people via a nonpartisan lens to the people’s business. I supported C-SPAN’s fight to be platformed by streaming giants to keep pace with how Americans obtain news and entertainment and welcomed the agreement that they will carry C-SPAN’s coverage of Congress and public... Just as the American people have a front row seat to the legislative branch, they deserve a front row seat to the judicial branch. Giving people the opportunity to observe its work will enhance public awareness and understanding.

The Father of the Constitution, James Madison, extolled the need for an engaged and educated citizenry as an essential lever for the preservation of liberty and the longevity of our republic. That’s why I champion sunshine laws, from strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to expanding whistleblower protections and broadening public access to the courtroom. As Madison wrote, “…a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” His words of wisdom written 200 years ago are a clarion call today... Q: What are your two bills that would put cameras in the courts? PHOTO ESSAY: Energy workers risk their lives to keep Ukraine's lights on as Russia attacks 160 Ukrainian energy workers have been killed as Russia pummels the power system

73% of Americans believe EV owners should pay an 'energy tax' to help fund roadways ... New Fortress Energy Signs Forbearance Agreement Rising Energy Costs Threaten Family Farms, Consumers with High Food Prices, New CEA Report Finds Charlie Kirk, speaking last April at Texas A&M University, was assassinated in September at an event at Utah Valley University. (Photo by Meredith Seaver/The Bryan College Station Eagle via the Associated Press) The widow of slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has called for the murder trial of his suspected killer to be on camera, prompting a top Republican U.S.

senator to renew calls for legislation allowing video cameras in federal courtrooms nationwide. “There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” Erika Kirk told Fox News host Jesse Watters in an interview scheduled to air Nov. 5. “There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. … We deserve to have cameras in there.” USA Today, the Salt Lake Tribune and other media outlets reported her remarks.

Courthouse News Service reports that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Rebublican from Iowa, said cameras should be permitted in all federal courts.

Grassley Echoes Erika Kirk S Call For Cameras In The Courtroom

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