Defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of the 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are moving to delay a critical May preliminary hearing. In a new court filing, Robinson’s legal team argues that federal forensic analysis has failed to link the fatal projectile to a firearm allegedly belonging to the defendant.
The motion centers on a summary report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). According to the filing, the agency was “unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson.”
Robinson’s defense team contends that this lack of a forensic match constitutes potential exculpatory evidence. They are now requesting a postponement to review the full ATF case file and examination protocols.
“The defense may very well decide to offer the testimony of the ATF firearm analyst,” the filing states, noting that such a determination is impossible without access to the underlying data currently held by the state.
The prosecution has signaled that the investigation into the ballistics remains fluid. The FBI is reportedly conducting a second comparative bullet analysis and a specialized bullet lead analysis. These secondary tests are not yet complete, creating a forensic vacuum that the defense is now leveraging to stall the proceedings.
The charges stem from the high-profile killing of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at an event on the Utah Valley University campus when he was struck by a single bullet. Investigators determined the shot was fired from a distance of more than 100 yards.
The shooting triggered a multi-day regional manhunt. Authorities eventually apprehended Robinson after a family member alerted law enforcement to their suspicions.
Robinson currently faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder. While he has yet to enter a formal plea, the stakes of the upcoming trial are absolute; Utah prosecutors have already filed notice of their intent to seek the death penalty should a conviction be secured.
A judge is expected to rule on the motion to delay the preliminary hearing within the coming week. If granted, the move could push the start of the high-stakes trial into late 2026.
