Investigators probing the murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk cannot link the bullet that killed him to the rifle they believe the sole suspect used, according to U.S. court papers filed by the defense.
Tyler Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk at a Utah university campus last September, in a crime that shocked the country and drew strong reactions from conservative political circles.
At a court hearing in Utah, Robinson’s attorneys said they needed more time to review the large volume of evidence gathered against their client.
They also raised concerns about the quality of that evidence, pointing to a summary of a report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“The defense has been provided with an ATF summary report which indicates that the ATF was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson,” a court document dated March 27 states.
Lawyers also questioned DNA evidence presented in the case, which the ATF and FBI said could consist of mixtures from “five or more” individuals.
State prosecutor Christopher Ballard told TMZ that the apparent gap in the forensic evidence was not significant.
“Generally, when a bullet fragment analysis comes back as inconclusive, that means the fragment did not contain enough detail for the examiner to say one way or the other,” he said.
“We have ample evidence to demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that Tyler Robinson committed this murder, and we will present some of that evidence at the upcoming preliminary hearing—and then all of that evidence at trial.”
Kirk’s death on September 10, which was captured on video, dominated headlines for weeks. President Donald Trump responded by warning of a crackdown on the “radical left,” which he and other conservatives blamed for fostering a hostile climate.
Authorities say Robinson shot Kirk from a rooftop across the campus of Utah Valley University, allegedly motivated by the activist’s political views.
Robinson was arrested the following day after family members, recognizing him in images released by investigators, persuaded him to turn himself in.
He faces the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder.
Kirk, a father of two, built a large following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he promoted conservative positions, including strong criticism of the transgender movement.
