During pre-trial hearings for Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, an FBI DNA analyst testified Tuesday that investigators found a "95 percent DNA match" between Robinson and a towel wrapped around the rifle used in the shooting. Amanda Bakker, a DNA analyst with the FBI, presented findings that indicated Robinson's DNA profile aligned with the majority contributor found on the towel and a screwdriver recovered near the scene.
Investigators discovered the rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus, where Kirk was shot on September 10, 2025. A screwdriver was also found on the roof of the Losee Center building, identified as the "sniper's perch" by investigators. According to testimony from Utah State Bureau of Investigation sergeant Jennifer Faumuina, both the towel and screwdriver contained DNA from two sources, identified as Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs.
Bakker explained that 95 percent of the contributing DNA came from one source and 5 percent from another. Testing showed Robinson's DNA was statistically likely to be from the 95 percent contributor. In cross-examination, Bakker acknowledged that the DNA evidence was not definitive but did not exclude Robinson as a "possible contributor." Robinson's defense attorney, Michael Burt, attempted to cast doubt on the evidence, stating the analyst could not definitively match Robinson to the questioned samples. Bakker clarified that the FBI's analysis typically presents results with a degree of scientific certainty rather than an absolute identification.
Prosecutors argued that the DNA evidence is relevant to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, a point contested by Robinson's defense team. The wrangling over the DNA evidence caused delays in the hearing. Prosecutors also intend to introduce Twiggs' police interview into evidence, along with video testimony and messages between the couple, although Twiggs is not expected to testify in person.
Previously, prosecutors submitted surveillance footage allegedly showing Robinson on the UVU campus hours before Kirk's assassination. Agent David Hull testified that Robinson visited the amphitheater where Kirk was scheduled to speak and interacted with members of Turning Point USA. The footage reportedly shows Robinson on campus multiple times in the four hours leading up to the shooting, including allegedly climbing to the roof of the Losee Center and returning the night after the incident. Hull also noted that Robinson was seen with a limp and was stopped by a police officer on campus the day after the shooting, raising the officer's suspicion and leading to the recording of his license plate number, which later helped investigators confirm his presence on campus.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.