A gun owned by Tyler Robinson is reported to have played a role in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
The weapon, a Mausel model rifle that Robinson referred to as “Grandpa’s Rifle,” dates back several decades and was used in World War II. It was also in circulation before laws were enacted that required guns to carry identifiable serial numbers.
There are millions of such firearms still in homes across the U.S., which raises alarms for federal authorities. They worry that other potential assassins might exploit these untraceable rifles for similar attacks.
Scott Sweete, a retired official from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency, commented on the situation: “Besides the security provided to the president, there’s really no way to counter the threat these weapons present.”
Robinson, age 33, reportedly discarded a wrapped rifle in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus shortly after allegedly killing Kirk during an outdoor speaking engagement.
The police found the firearm hours later, though it’s unclear if Robinson led them to it, especially since he didn’t pressure his family to turn himself in.
Officials identified the weapon as a Model 98 Moser. This rifle, with a caliber of 30-06, fires cartridges that are a bit smaller than 8 mm and requires reloading between shots.
In a text to his roommate, Robinson claimed the gun belonged to his grandfather, but the origins of how his grandfather acquired it remain uncertain.
After both World Wars, many American soldiers returned home with such rifles, which have continued to be popular among hunters over the years.
These vintage models are still readily available at firearm shops and gun shows, though newer counterparts come with standardized serial numbers.
Before President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, firearms were not required to have serial numbers, a fact that underscored the need for the Gun Control Act of 1968, which mandated identification for tracking purposes.
Robinson seemed aware that his grandfather’s rifle lacked this necessary identification, as evidenced by a text message sent shortly after the murder.
In that message, he expressed concern about his grandfather’s reaction to losing the rifle and mentioned that he wanted to avoid a traceable serial number.
According to court records, the Utah Bureau of Investigation allegedly found DNA on the murder weapon that matches Robinson.
Prosecutors noted that other messages indicated Robinson, who has been uncooperative with investigators, showed a troubling indifference toward the murder of Kirk.
He reportedly expressed resentment about Kirk’s views, stating, “I’ve had enough of his hatred. Some hatred cannot be negotiated.”
