News Article
Published
Oct 23, 2026 at 02:26 PM EDT
President Donald Trump on Friday criticized the Utah judge overseeing the case against the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk ahead of a hearing on the trial timeline.
In a social media post, Trump accused the judge of mishandling the case and said it should be tried within a month. He also claimed the proceedings were undermining the memory of Kirk, a prominent Trump ally who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
“The whole Country is mocking him and our ‘Legal’ System,” Trump wrote, ending his post with “JUSTICE FOR CHARLIE!”
The comments came as defendant Tyler Robinson, 23, is scheduled to appear before Utah District Judge Tony Graf on Friday for a hearing to address the trial schedule.
Robinson, then 22, allegedly shot Kirk from a rooftop roughly 415 feet away from where Kirk spoke during an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025. He surrendered to authorities a day after the fatal shooting. Prosecutors allege Robinson told his romantic partner he "had enough of [Kirk's] hatred," adding that "some hate can't be negotiated out."
Robinson has pleaded not guilty to seven charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted.
Prosecutors have proposed a January 31, 2028, trial date, while Robinson’s defense attorneys have requested a start in the third quarter of 2029, citing the extensive preparation required for a complex death penalty case.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has urged the court to set a trial as early as possible in 2027.
The judge’s decision on scheduling was expected to be a key outcome of Friday’s hearing.
This is breaking news, updates to follow.