Robinson’s lawyers claim an ATF analysis failed to link the bullet to the rifle “allegedly tied” to their client
Lawyers representing Tyler Robinson have raised new questions about the evidence in the case surrounding the death of activist Charlie Kirk. In a recent court filing, the defense argues that forensic analysis has not conclusively linked a key piece of evidence to their client.
The claim is found in a motion to delay an upcoming preliminary hearing scheduled for May, during which a judge will decide whether the case will proceed.
Robinson’s defense team claims that an Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) summary report indicated that the agency “was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson.”
“Although the State has not indicated an intent to produce this report at the preliminary hearing, the defense may very well decide to offer the testimony of the ATF firearm analyst as exculpatory evidence,” the filing states.
“In order to make this determination, it is necessary for the defense and its firearm expert to review the ATF case file and protocols relating to this examination, which have not yet been provided,” it continues. “The State has also indicated that the FBI is in the process of conducting a second comparative bullet analysis, as well as a bullet lead analysis, but that these analyses are not yet complete.”
Robinson is accused by authorities of killing Kirk while he was speaking at a Turning Point USA event on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10, 2025.
Kirk was killed by a bullet fired from more than 100 yards away. A multi-day manhunt ensued, culminating in the arrest of Robinson, who authorities said was suspected by a family member, who subsequently alerted a friend.
Robinson has been charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated murder. He has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
