It is not until 21 June 2028 that jury selection will begin in the trial of Tyler Robinson (23), who is charged with the murder of the conservative debater Charlie Kirk. The decision has provoked strong reactions from Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and President Donald Trump.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025. The trial will therefore begin, at the earliest, almost three years after the murder.
Judge Tony Graf set the date on Monday 9 November. The defence had sought to have the trial postponed until the end of 2029, whilst the prosecution had proposed January 2028. Erika Kirk had requested that the trial begin as early as 2027.
Ryan McBride, Assistant District Attorney for Utah County, during a court hearing in the murder trial of Tyler Robinson in Provo, Utah, on 1 September 2026. The defendant in a light grey suit jacket. Photo: Francisco Kjolseth / Pool / Getty Images / AFP
In a statement on X, the family expresses their deep disappointment:
– Today’s decision to delay the trial of the man accused of murdering our beloved Charlie until at least June 2028, is deeply disappointing.
The family emphasises that nothing can give them back the time they spent with Charlie, and that every additional day without justice prolongs the pain and the wait for someone to be held to account.
Donald Trump has also reacted strongly. In a post on Truth Social in October, he criticised the judge and argued that the case should be heard within one month, rather than being dragged out for three years.
“The judge is desecrating the memory of the great Charlie Kirk,” wrote Trump, who claimed that the whole country is mocking the judge and the American justice system.
Why is it taking so long?
Robinson has pleaded not guilty, but faces the death penalty if convicted. The defence lawyers justify the need for more time by citing the extensive evidence, investigations and preparations required for a potential capital case.
The US Constitution guarantees defendants the right to a speedy trial, but does not stipulate a general six-month time limit. In complex murder cases, particularly where the death penalty is a possibility, preparations can take several years. At the same time, Utah law stipulates that the victims and their relatives also have the right to have the case heard without unnecessary delays.
Judge Graf has set aside 105 court days for the case. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on 21 June 2028.
Sources: Reuters/The Daily Signal, Utah law
