Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are challenging the core forensic links in the capital murder case. In a new court filing, Robinson’s legal team argues that federal investigators failed to scientifically connect the fatal bullet to the firearm allegedly tied to their client.
The claims surfaced in a motion to delay a preliminary hearing scheduled for May. According to the filing, a summary report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicated that the agency “was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson.”
The defense contends that the ATF’s inability to match the ballistics represents a significant gap in the prosecution’s narrative. Robinson’s lawyers are now seeking access to the full ATF case file and laboratory protocols, arguing that the testimony of a firearm analyst could serve as critical exculpatory evidence.
“It is necessary for the defense and its firearm expert to review the ATF case file and protocols relating to this examination,” the motion states.
The prosecution has signaled that the forensic investigation is ongoing. The FBI is currently conducting a second comparative bullet analysis and a specialized bullet lead analysis. Those results have not yet been finalized or provided to the defense.
The charges against Robinson stem from the September 10, 2025, shooting at Utah Valley University. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was struck by a single round fired from more than 100 yards away while addressing a crowd on campus.
The shooting triggered a high-profile, multi-day manhunt across the region. Authorities eventually apprehended Robinson after a family member grew suspicious and alerted a third party, who then contacted law enforcement.
Robinson faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors have already filed notice of their intent to seek the death penalty, citing the targeted nature of the attack and the public setting.
Robinson has not yet entered a formal plea. If the judge grants the defense’s motion for a delay, the May preliminary hearing—which determines if enough evidence exists to proceed to trial—could be pushed back several months to allow for the completion of FBI testing and defense discovery.
The Utah County Attorney’s Office has not yet issued a formal response to the defense’s claims regarding the ATF findings.
