A Utah judge has delayed a decision on when the murder trial of Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, should begin, leaving the defence and prosecution divided over how much preparation time the case requires.
District Court Judge Tony Graf heard arguments from defence attorneys, prosecutors and a lawyer representing Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, during a hearing in Provo on Friday. After considering the competing proposals, Graf said he needed additional time before making a decision. A further hearing has been scheduled for November 9, according to local media reports.
Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to seven charges, including aggravated murder, over the shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem. Kirk was taking part in one of his trademark public debates at the university when he was killed.
The defence expects the trial to last between six and seven months and has argued that substantial preparation is necessary before proceedings can begin.
Defence Seeks Trial in Late 2029
Robinson’s lawyers have asked the court to schedule the trial for late 2029, citing the need to challenge the state’s pursuit of the death penalty, collect further evidence and seek a change of venue.
Prosecutors have pushed for a considerably earlier start, proposing January 31, 2028. Their scheduling proposal anticipates a trial lasting approximately 17 weeks.
Erika Kirk has also opposed the defence’s proposed timetable. In a separate court filing, she described the request as excessive compared with similar cases and urged the judge to begin the trial no later than October 4, 2027.
The sharply different proposals leave the court facing a difficult decision over balancing the defence’s preparation requirements with the push for an earlier trial.
Trump Criticises Judge Before Hearing
The case also drew fresh political attention shortly before Friday’s hearing, when US President Donald Trump criticised Judge Graf’s handling of the proceedings in a social media post.
Trump, who had been politically allied with Kirk, argued that the trial should take place within a month. He also questioned the judge’s approach to the case, saying Graf was raising questions whose answers were already known.
Kirk was a prominent and divisive figure in American politics. He gained support among conservatives for his efforts to mobilise young voters around Christian and right-wing political positions. His comments on immigration, race, gender and other social issues also drew sustained criticism from opponents.
Political Motive at Centre of Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
Defence attorney Richard Novak has countered that Kirk made hostile remarks about people who did not conform to traditional gender identities or heterosexual norms. However, the defence has argued that there is no evidence establishing that Robinson opposed Kirk’s views.
The competing arguments over motive, the potential death penalty and the timing of the trial are expected to remain central as the proceedings move forward.
For now, no trial date has been finalised. Judge Graf’s next hearing on November 9 is expected to provide another opportunity for the parties to press their proposed schedules before the court settles the timetable for one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the United States.
