How Erika Kirk Is Fighting To Stop Delays In Charlie’s Assassination Trial
Erika Kirk is urging a Utah judge to put an end to what she calls “unwarranted delay tactics” in the trial of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating her husband, conservative leader Charlie Kirk.
Through her attorney Jeffrey Neiman, Erika filed a formal request with the court to enforce her legal right to a speedy trial. Robinson, the alleged shooter, has yet to enter a plea despite months of legal maneuvering.
“The Utah Code affords victims of a crime the right to a speedy disposition of the charges free from unwarranted delay caused by or at the behest of the defendant,” Neiman wrote in the filing.
He argued that while the court must ensure a fair trial for Robinson, it must also recognize Erika’s rights as the widow of the victim. “This Notice invokes Mrs. Kirk’s rights under applicable Utah Code,” he wrote.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a nationally known conservative voice, was gunned down on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The shooter opened fire during a public Q&A session after Kirk invited critics to ask him questions directly.
Robinson’s legal team has focused on removing the Utah County Attorney’s Office from the case, arguing a potential conflict of interest. One of the prosecutors has a daughter who was reportedly present on campus during the shooting. Robinson’s lawyers claim this connection undermines the objectivity of the prosecution.
Prosecutors say the claim is baseless. They argue the daughter had no direct knowledge of the crime and that there’s no conflict. They also say the motion to disqualify their office is a thinly veiled attempt to delay proceedings.
Judge Tony Graf has not removed the prosecutors but has allowed limited questioning of witnesses tied to the supposed conflict.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk is calling attention to what she sees as stalling by the defense.
“Charlie believed in the U.S. Constitution,” Neiman wrote, “and while it guarantees criminal defendants many rights, it does not guarantee them the right to cause undue delay in the criminal justice process.”
The state has made clear it intends to pursue the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Erika, now raising two children without her husband, has vowed to continue attending court proceedings and speaking out until justice is served.