Bullet fragments recovered from the scene of Charlie Kirk's murder could not be definitively linked to the rifle that prosecutors claim was used by the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, a federal firearms expert testified Thursday. Samantha Karner, an examiner with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), told a Utah court that her testing on the fragments was inconclusive.
"My conclusion is inconclusive... I am unable to say one way or another," Karner testified during a preliminary hearing that will determine whether Robinson, 23, will stand trial for the aggravated murder of Kirk. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case. The defense has repeatedly highlighted the ATF's ballistics findings in an effort to challenge the strength of the prosecution's case.
Earlier this year, Robinson's attorneys cited an ATF report stating investigators were unable to identify a bullet jacket fragment recovered during Kirk's autopsy as having been fired by the rifle recovered by authorities. This filing led to widespread online speculation that the bullet did not match the suspected murder weapon. However, Karner's testimony clarified that the examination simply could not reach a definitive conclusion, rather than ruling out the weapon.
During questioning by defense attorney Michael Burt, Karner stated that "Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate" when asked if investigators could exclude the recovered rifle as the weapon that fired the fatal shot. Firearms experts have noted that inconclusive findings are not uncommon when dealing with damaged bullet fragments, as microscopic markings on bullets can be too distorted after impact for definitive identification. A spokesperson for the Utah County Attorney's Office, Christopher Ballard, previously stated that an inconclusive finding "does not mean that the rifle did not fire the bullet," explaining that there are insufficient marks on the fragment for a conclusion.
The ballistics evidence is one component of the state's case against Robinson. Prosecutors allege that Robinson stole his grandfather's rifle, engraved taunting slogans onto ammunition, traveled to Utah Valley University, and fired the fatal shot from a rooftop. Authorities contend that Robinson concealed the rifle in a wooded area near campus and that his DNA was found on the weapon, the fired cartridge casing, unfired rounds, and the towel used to conceal the firearm.
Additional evidence presented Thursday included a video of Robinson's roommate and former romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. Twiggs, who received limited immunity for his statements, told investigators that Robinson broke down in tears the day after the shooting and said he "wishes he hadn't done it." Investigators also revealed that approximately an hour before surrendering to authorities, Robinson allegedly posted a message in a Discord chat room stating, "it was me at UVU yesterday." Prosecutors also presented a handwritten note allegedly from Robinson to Twiggs, which read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it. I wish we could have lived in a world where this did not feel necessary."
Text messages shown in court allegedly captured Robinson expressing concern about fingerprints on his grandfather's rifle and discussing ammunition engraved with messages such as "Hey Fascist! CATCH!" and "If you Read This, You Are GAY." Twiggs also testified that weeks before the shooting, Robinson had asked to borrow a Dremel tool to engrave shell casings, which Twiggs initially believed was for an upcoming hunting trip.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and an ally of former President Donald Trump, was 31 when he was shot once in the neck while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have challenged forensic evidence and sought to remove the death penalty from the case.
Judge Tony Graf is expected to rule on September 1 whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Previously, Kirk's widow, Erika, had urged the court to release Twiggs' interview in full, arguing that redacting portions could fuel conspiracy theories surrounding her husband's death.
