Charlie Kirk Assassination Case Takes New Turn as Defense Cites Bullet Mismatch

The investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination may take a new turn as defense attorneys have argued that the bullet found in the conservative activist’s body does not match the suspected murder rifle. Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The following day, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson surrendered to the police.

As Robinson awaits his preliminary hearing, his defense has filed a motion in court, stating that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) could not conclude whether the bullet fragment found during Kirk’s autopsy was fired from the rifle that was recovered from the crime scene.

During the investigation, forensic ballistics experts examine unique microscopic markings on a bullet. These markings are inscribed on the bullet when it passes through the gun’s barrel. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now reportedly conducting additional tests to analyze the markings.

“The ATF 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 defense said in the filing.

Utah County Attorney's Office spokesperson Christopher D. Ballard talked about the development in a statement to USA Today. He said, “When the results of a bullet fragment analysis come back as inconclusive, that means only that the fragment did not contain enough detail for the examiner to determine whether the characteristics on the fragment were consistent with having been fired by a particular firearm.”

According to investigators, the weapon found near Kirk’s murder site was a hunting rifle with a .30-06 caliber. Prosecutors have told the court that Robinson’s DNA was found on the rifle and the cartridges. However, the defense said the sample contained DNA from multiple people.

Apart from the court filing about the mismatched bullet, the defense has also asked the court to postpone Robinson’s preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for May. The accused’s attorney's have said they have yet to receive key pieces of evidence from the prosecutors.

Meanwhile, they also need more time to review the already provided evidence. The prosecutors have reportedly given more than 600,000 files about the investigation to the defense, along with over 31 hours of audio and 700 hours of video.

“The defense team has devoted, and will continue to devote, significant resources to processing discovery, including identifying materials not yet received to inform readiness for the preliminary hearing. However, the defense team is realistic and the comprehensive review required to determine what is missing will take hundreds of hours,” the filing read.

Robinson allegedly admitted to shooting Kirk in front of his parents on September 11, 2025. His parents then convinced him to surrender. He has been charged with aggravated murder, and the prosecutors are planning to seek the death penalty against him.