The family of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has expressed frustration after a Utah judge scheduled the murder trial of accused killer Tyler Robinson for June 2028, nearly three years after Kirk was assassinated during an event at Utah Valley University.
In a statement following Monday’s hearing, Kirk’s family criticized the lengthy wait for proceedings to begin, saying the decision would extend an already painful period for those closest to the conservative activist.
“Today’s decision to delay the trial of the man accused of murdering our beloved Charlie until at least June 2028, is deeply disappointing,” the family said via a post on Erika Kirk’s X account.
They added that the continued wait for accountability has compounded their grief, emphasizing that no court proceeding could recover the time they lost with Kirk.
Judge Tony Graf announced during the hearing that jury selection will begin on June 21, 2028, in Provo, Utah. The court has reserved 105 days for the proceedings, with sessions scheduled on weekdays between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm local time.
The selected date represents a compromise between competing requests from the prosecution, defense attorneys, and Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.
Prosecutors had sought to begin the trial in early 2028, while Robinson’s legal team requested that proceedings be postponed until fall 2029. Erika Kirk, meanwhile, had advocated for a substantially earlier start in fall 2027.
Graf also established an extensive schedule of hearings and filing deadlines intended to prepare both sides for trial.
Monthly pretrial conferences will begin in January 2027, generally occurring on the final Friday of each month, with adjustments permitted for holidays.
Prospective jurors must receive questionnaires by April 12, 2028, with completed responses due May 3. Both sides will then be required to submit their final reports by May 19, ahead of a final pretrial hearing scheduled for June 15.
Robinson faces murder charges stemming from the September 10, 2025, killing of Kirk at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested Robinson in the days following the shooting.
The case advanced toward trial after a week-long preliminary hearing in July 2026. On September 1, Graf determined that prosecutors had presented sufficient probable cause for the criminal proceedings to continue.
Robinson has pleaded not guilty.
Kirk’s family also acknowledged the support they have received since his death.
“As we continue down this difficult road, we remain deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support that have sustained our family through these painful months,” the family said.
