Judge Sets June 2028 Start Date for Charlie Kirk Murder Trial
A Utah judge ruled Monday that jury selection will begin in three years, rejecting defense requests for a later start and the family's demand for a faster trial.
By Nathaniel Hayes ·
A Utah judge set the start date for the murder trial of Charlie Kirk's accused killer at June 21, 2028, on Monday. District Judge Tony Graf allocated 105 days for the proceedings, beginning with jury selection.
The court schedule places the trial roughly three years after the shooting. Graf stated the dates balance the defendant's need for preparation time with the widow's right to a speedy resolution. The judge noted that the timeline addresses the rights of both parties in the case.
Tyler Robinson, 23, pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder. He faces the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk for his political beliefs. A bullet found in the rifle used to kill Kirk was engraved with the words “Hey Facist! CATCH!” Robinson also texted, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Kirk was killed on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking to several thousand people at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old. Robinson turned himself in the day after the shooting. His lawyers have not offered alternative theories for the death.
Attorneys for Robinson proposed a trial starting in 2029. Prosecutors said they could be ready by October 2027 but suggested a January 2028 start to avoid holiday periods. Erika Kirk's attorney, Jeffrey Neiman, argued for an October 2027 start. Neiman told the judge, “A trial in the summer of 2028, three years after Charlie’s assassination, does not feel very speedy to the Kirk family.”
President Donald Trump urged a faster timeline last month. He posted on social media that Robinson should be tried “within a month.” The president criticized Graf for “taking forever to ask questions that people already know the answer to.”
The defense team must review tens of thousands of files from prosecutors. They plan to investigate Robinson's life for mitigating factors. Attorneys also intend to survey potential jurors to see if an impartial jury can be seated in Utah County. If the surveys indicate bias, they may ask to hold the trial elsewhere. Graf will hear arguments on venue in December.
