US judge delays Charlie Kirk murder trial date decision after Trump accuses him of 'desecrating' Kirk's memory

From the Newshound archive · first published 23 October 2026 · last updated 24 October 2026.

Judge Tony Graf Jr. had been scheduled to set a trial date in Provo, Utah, but said he needed more time before reaching a decision. Tyler Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to seven counts, including aggravated murder, with the death penalty sought by prosecutors. His defence wants the trial held in late 2029, while prosecutors are pushing for January 31, 2028. Widow Erika Kirk has asked for proceedings to begin no later than October 4, 2027.

Trump wrote that the case 'should be tried within a month, not three years'.

Erika Kirk's lawyer told the judge: 'Justice delayed this long stops being justice.'

Kirk was shot dead aged 31 at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

GB NewsCharlie Kirk: Judge delays decision over murder trial date The TelegraphTrump says judge is ‘desecrating Charlie Kirk’s memory’ by dragging out suspect’s trial Daily Mail USDonald Trump rips into Charlie Kirk murder judge as decision to extend trial timeline for Tyler Robinson looms APDefense attorneys in Charlie Kirk’s killing want to have a trial in 2029 ReutersJudge puts off decision on Charlie Kirk murder trial date, media reports Fox NewsTyler Robinson hearing ends without trial date set, prompting fiery plea from Erika Kirk's lawyer NewsweekTrump Attacks Utah Judge Deciding Trial Date Over Charlie Kirk's Killing Fox NewsTrump says judge is 'desecrating' Charlie Kirk's memory amid fight over assassination trial date Raw StoryTrump fumes at Charlie Kirk trial judge after new development: 'Desecrating the memory!'

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