In a decision that has drawn attention from political figures and the public alike, Utah district judge Tony Graf has set the murder trial of Tyler Robinson for early July 2028. Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting far‑right activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University in September 2025.
Judge Graf confirmed that the trial will remain in Provo, Utah, and that jury selection will begin on 21 June 2028. Robinson’s attorneys had sought a start date in January 2029, while Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, had requested an earlier date in October 2027. The judge’s ruling reflects the court’s assessment of the evidence and the need for a timely resolution.
According to prosecutors, Robinson perched on a rooftop overlooking the university and opened fire on Kirk, who was engaged in a debate with ideological rivals. The shooting occurred during one of Kirk’s signature campus debates, a setting that drew a large audience of students and activists.
Robinson turned himself in after the incident and has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder. If convicted, he faces the possibility of the death penalty. Prosecutors also charge him with two counts of witness tampering—allegedly instructing his roommate not to cooperate with police and deleting incriminating texts—and two counts of obstruction of justice.
In a preliminary hearing, the court reviewed a redacted video in which Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate, testified that Robinson expressed regret about the shooting. “He wishes he hadn’t done it,” Twiggs said. The evidence presented suggests that Robinson harbored grievances against Kirk’s political views, particularly Kirk’s criticism of gay rights.
The case has attracted commentary from former President Donald Trump, who urged a swift trial. Trump wrote on social media that the case should be tried within a month, not three years, and criticized Judge Graf for delaying proceedings.
Robinson’s defense team is expected to argue that the evidence is insufficient and that the prosecution’s case is built on questionable testimony. The trial will also address the additional charges of witness tampering and obstruction of justice.
Source: The Guardian World
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