Who Killed Charlie Kirk? Defence Claims Bullet Doesn’t Match Tyler Robinson’s Gun

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 08:58 IST

The defence has also highlighted complexities in the forensic evidence, including DNA findings from the FBI and ATF.

A major new twist has emerged in the murder case of Charlie Kirk, a US-based political activist and prominent conservative commentator, after defence attorneys for accused gunman Tyler Robinson claimed that the bullet recovered from the victim does not match the rifle allegedly used in the killing.

In a recent court filing, his defense team argued that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was unable to link the bullet recovered during autopsy to the rifle tied to Robinson.

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The defence plans to present testimony from an ATF firearms analyst as exculpatory evidence and has requested that the preliminary hearing be postponed by at least six months.

The defence has also highlighted complexities in the forensic evidence, including DNA findings from the FBI and ATF. Court documents state that multiple DNA profiles were found on certain pieces of evidence, requiring detailed expert analysis to identify the contributors and verify the scientific procedures used.

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Attorneys said prosecutors have provided around 20,000 files—comprising audio, video and written material—adding that reviewing the evidence will require considerable time and resources. They also said several key forensic case files and datasets needed for expert evaluation are yet to be fully shared.

At the preliminary hearing, prosecutors are expected to present multiple forms of evidence, including DNA and ballistic reports, social media records, testimony from law enforcement officers, and statements from Robinson’s parents and roommate. The defence has also questioned the use of hearsay statements from officers who are not expected to testify.

Authorities have said Robinson was turned in by his father after allegedly confessing to the crime. His father is said to have identified a family rifle in images released during the investigation. The weapon, reportedly a gift from Robinson’s grandfather, has become central to the case.

Court documents also cite text messages in which Robinson allegedly discussed leaving the rifle behind and trying to retrieve it, calling it the “only evidence" left at the scene. The messages also indicate concern about fingerprints and how to explain the missing firearm.

Robinson, 22, is facing capital murder charges and a potential death sentence over the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10. Prosecutors allege that he drove three hours to the campus to carry out the attack.

He is scheduled to return to court on April 17, where arguments will include whether cameras and microphones should be allowed in proceedings.

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