Ballistics Report in Charlie Kirk Case Reveals Mixed Findings

A judge in Utah has recently disclosed a ballistics report related to Tyler Robinson, who is accused in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk. The report confirmed that spent shell casings matched, but the bullet fragments did not definitively link to the weapon used.

According to prosecutors, separate DNA tests indicated that Robinson’s gun had traces on a towel wrapped around the rifle and on three out of four bullets in the firearm.

An earlier report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was discussed in court, but the newly released document provides additional insights. Judge Tony Graf found that the application had no inflammatory information warranting confidentiality.

The evidence reviewed included damaged bullet jackets and lead fragments, previously presented in a defense motion filed under seal. The defense had requested that further testing be postponed until their experts could examine the evidence.

The ATF’s report noted that “inconclusive” findings suggest that the evidence was insufficient to either confirm or exclude a person’s involvement.

Two law enforcement sources familiar with the case also shared insights, revealing that the bullet could not be matched to Robinson’s rifle due to its disintegration on impact with Kirk’s body.

“This is not a win for the defense,” said Jason Pack, a former FBI supervisor. “This is simply a gap that the prosecution is looking to fill with more advanced technology from the FBI.”

Pack also mentioned that ballistics evidence alone isn’t typically enough in murder cases, emphasizing that this issue pertains only to bullet fragments—not the shell casings or the rifle itself found nearby.

“The defense attorney is simply ensuring his client can challenge the evidence before it’s altered,” Pack noted, reassuring that this doesn’t imply the prosecution’s case is weak.

ATF investigators identified a .30-06 shell casing fired from what they believe is the murder weapon, a Robinson Mauser. While the damaged fragments softened their connection to Robinson’s rifle, they were not enough to confirm a match.

“We have a long way to go before trial. So, it’s premature for the public to jump to conclusions based on one pretrial motion regarding a single bullet fragment,” Pack cautioned.

Robinson stands accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University back in September 2025. Reports indicate that Robinson was positioned on a roof across from where Kirk spoke to around 3,000 attendees, firing a single shot that tragically struck Kirk in the neck.

Prosecutors have also mentioned that campus police discovered marks on the gravel roof consistent with someone lying down, likely to get a clear shot.

The rifle, wrapped in a towel, was later found near campus woods. In the lead-up to the shooting, prosecutors highlighted text interactions between Robinson and his girlfriend, discussing the retrieval of the rifle.

Hours post-shooting, Robinson allegedly texted, “I’m stuck in Orem for a while yet. It won’t be long until I can go home, but I still have to grab my rifle.”

Currently, Robinson is set for another court appearance on Friday to address a motion aimed at preventing news cameras from future sessions. If found guilty, he faces the possibility of the death penalty.