An analysis by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has failed to conclusively connect a bullet fragment recovered during Charlie Kirk's autopsy to a rifle found near the scene of his killing, according to court filings. The FBI is conducting additional tests.
Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of murdering the right-wing political activist, have requested a delay to a preliminary hearing scheduled for May. They said they need time to review the bullet analysis and a large volume of other material that could aid the defence.
The ATF report has been kept private, but attorneys have cited snippets in public filings describing the results as inconclusive. Forensic ballistics analysis relies on the size and condition of bullet fragments, which carry microscopic markings left by the gun barrel – unique to each firearm, like fingerprints.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson, who is charged with aggravated murder over the 10 September shooting death of Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. He has not yet entered a plea. They say DNA consistent with Robinson's was found on the rifle's trigger, a fired cartridge casing and two unfired cartridges. The defence notes that multiple people's DNA was found on some items, requiring more complex analysis.
Prosecutors have also said Robinson texted his romantic partner that he targeted Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred". Robinson is due back in court on 17 April for a hearing on a defence motion to ban cameras from the courtroom.
