Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, have challenged key DNA evidence presented in a Utah court. During a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, defence attorney Michael Burt argued that the DNA testing did not conclusively link Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle recovered near the scene.
FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker testified that DNA from the towel wrapping the rifle belonged to two individuals: Robinson's roommate Lance Twiggs and another person she identified as "very likely" Robinson. However, Burt contended that the analysis could not definitively match Robinson to the samples. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride countered that such disputes should be settled at trial, not during preliminary proceedings.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, alleging Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Robinson climbing onto a rooftop overlooking the event at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot while addressing a crowd. Agent David Hull testified that after the shooting, the suspect fled on foot.
The defence also questioned crime scene handling, noting that a bullet recovered on campus was later traced to a law enforcement officer who had ejected an unfired round. Judge Tony Graf provisionally admitted a statement describing Turning Point USA's traditional Christian values, despite defence objections regarding its relevance to Robinson's state of mind.
Robinson has not entered a plea. The hearing continues as prosecutors aim to demonstrate sufficient evidence for a trial.
