A Utah judge on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, deferred a decision on the trial start date for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During a hearing in Provo, Utah, Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf said he needed more time to review competing schedules proposed by the defense, prosecutors, and a lawyer for Kirk's widow.
The scheduling dispute centers on how long the parties need to prepare for a trial involving seven counts, including aggravated murder. Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The shooting occurred more than a year ago while Kirk was hosting a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Defense attorneys for Robinson requested a trial start date in late 2029, arguing they need time to challenge the state's request for the death penalty, gather evidence, and seek a change of venue. Prosecutors proposed starting the trial on Jan. 31, 2028, estimating the proceedings would last 17 weeks. Erika Kirk, the victim's widow, filed a separate request for a start date no later than Oct. 4, 2027, describing the defense timeline as "grossly out of line."
Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk due to the activist's opposition to gay marriage and transgender rights. Defense attorney Richard Novak stated that while Kirk had spoken "hatefully" about non-heterosexual individuals or those without traditional gender identities, there was no evidence that Robinson opposed those views. Shortly before the Friday hearing, President Donald Trump posted on social media that the case should be tried within a month and questioned Judge Graf's handling of the matter.
The scale of this legal proceeding is substantial, with the defense anticipating a trial lasting six to seven months, while prosecutors expect about four months of testimony. For the residents of Orem, Utah, and the community at Utah Valley University, the scheduling determines when the legal proceedings related to the 2025 campus shooting will move toward a final verdict. The case also sets a precedent for how Utah courts manage homicide trials where the death penalty is sought and where the motive is alleged to be tied to a victim’s political or social speech.
What happens next: Judge Graf has scheduled a follow-up hearing for Nov. 9, 2026, to announce his decision on the trial date. This follows his Sept. 1, 2026, ruling that there was sufficient evidence to bind Robinson over for trial. The defense is expected to continue its efforts to challenge the death penalty and seek a new trial location before the court reaches the eventual start date.