A Utah judge on Monday set a June 2028 trial date for Tyler Robinson, accused of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, CBC reported, citing Reuters. Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including aggravated murder.

Judge Tony Graf fixed jury selection for 21 June 2028 after the defence sought a late-2029 start to challenge Utah’s death-penalty request, gather evidence and seek a venue change. Lawyers expect a six-to-seven-month trial.

Prosecutors wanted 31 January 2028 for what they see as a 17-week case. Widow Erika Kirk asked separately for a 2027 start to shorten what she called a painful legal process.

Kirk was shot during a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem. President Trump last month criticised Graf’s handling, saying the trial should start within a month.

Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk over his opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights. The defence says there is no evidence Robinson opposed those views, though counsel Richard Novak said Kirk spoke “hatefully” about people without traditional gender identities.

Kirk was a polarising figure: admired by conservatives for mobilising young voters, criticised by civil-rights advocates for rhetoric they called racist, anti-immigrant and misogynist.

Image: Utah Valley University (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0).

Sources consulted: Tyler Robinson, man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, to face trial in 2028 — CBC.