Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, accused in the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, are challenging critical DNA evidence presented by prosecutors during pre-trial hearings. The defense has spent hours attempting to cast doubt on FBI findings that link Robinson's DNA to a towel wrapped around the murder weapon and a screwdriver found near the crime scene.
Prosecutors contend that the DNA found on the items definitively belongs to two individuals: Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs. While Twiggs is not expected to testify in person, prosecutors plan to introduce a recorded statement from him as evidence. The DNA evidence is central to the prosecution's effort to establish probable cause for a full murder trial.
During Tuesday's hearings, defense attorney Michael Burt cross-examined FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker. Burt questioned the potential for errors in DNA testing and pointed out that Bakker's report did not provide an "absolute identification" of Robinson, stating, "She can't match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples." Prosecutors countered that the DNA testing showed it was "extremely statistically likely" to belong to Robinson and insisted that the defense's line of questioning was outside the scope of a pre-trial hearing, which is intended to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial, not to prove guilt.
Surveillance footage allegedly showing Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus in the hours before Kirk's death on September 10, 2025, was also presented by prosecutors. The video reportedly shows Robinson walking with an apparent limp toward what investigators believe was a rooftop "snipers perch."
Charlie Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, and his widow, Erika Kirk, have been in attendance at the week-long hearings in Provo, Utah. Donald Trump Jr., a friend of Kirk's, has also attended and expressed certainty of Robinson's guilt, citing the evidence presented as clear and decisive. Trump Jr. also noted the low number of officers on duty during the Turning Point USA event where Kirk was killed.
In the aftermath of Kirk's murder, a Reuters investigation in November 2025 reported that over 600 Americans were fired for negative reactions to his death. Some of these terminations led to lawsuits claiming violations of First Amendment rights, with several resulting in legal payouts and job reinstatements for those terminated.