(FILES) Charlie Kirk, executive director of Turning Point USA, speaks during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 15, 2024. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
The trial of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the United States last year, is scheduled to begin in June 2028, Newsweek reports on Monday.
Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf set June 21, 2028, for jury selection in the trial on Monday, amid pressure from Kirk’s family and President Donald Trump for the case to be heard sooner.
Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and related charges over Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. He remains in custody without bail.
According to Newsweek, prosecutors had proposed that the trial begin as late as January 31, 2028, while Robinson’s defence team requested a start in the third quarter of 2029, citing the extensive preparation required for a complex case in which the death penalty is being sought.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, had urged the court to begin the trial as early as October 2027, arguing that a prolonged legal process would further affect the couple’s two young children.
Newsweek reports that in a court filing, her lawyer, Jeffrey Neiman, said, “Under the defendants’ proposed schedule, Mr Kirk’s two children, who were one and three at the time he was murdered, will be six and eight years old by the time the trial concludes.
“They will face the uncertainty of this criminal proceeding longer than they had their father in their lives.”
Graf ruled in September that Robinson should stand trial after finding that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. He also allowed prosecutors to continue seeking the death penalty.
Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing in a text message to his roommate, according to the prosecution’s case.
Related News- Republican moves to impeach Trump’s defence secretary
- Delta motorcyclists demand justice for colleague killed at rally
- Nvidia probes CEO over Chinese spy link allegations
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while addressing a question about gun violence during a rally at the university. An investigator testified that the gunman fired from a rooftop about 415 feet away using a bolt-action rifle.
Robinson surrendered to authorities the following day after his parents recognised photographs of him released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the manhunt.
Investigators recovered a rifle wrapped in a towel in woodland near the shooting scene, alongside a shell casing and three unfired bullets bearing engraved messages.
Robinson’s lawyers have questioned the reliability of DNA tests and other evidence presented by prosecutors, although they have not identified an alternative suspect.
Trump has also criticised the pace of the proceedings, accusing Judge Graf of taking too long to handle the case and demanding a much earlier trial.
In an October 23 post on his Truth Social platform, the US President said the judge was “desecrating the memory of the Great Charlie Kirk” by delaying the proceedings and called for justice for the slain activist.
Kirk was a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, an organisation that mobilises young people around conservative political causes. His killing at a university event drew national attention and renewed debate over political violence in the United States.
The case is being closely watched as Robinson faces a possible death sentence if convicted.
Source: Punch · Okiki Adeduyite
At a glance
- Topic
- World
- Country
- 🇳🇬 NG
- Publisher language
- EN
- Added to Allnira