Analysis Of Bullet That Killed Charlie Kirk Shows No Conclusive Link To Suspect’s Gun. What Does That Mean?
An initial ATF analysis of fragments of a bullet that killed Charlie Kirk could not conclusively connect it to the rifle found on the scene that was tied to alleged assassin Tyler Robinson. However, that is not the same as saying the bullet doesn't match the gun. Mosheh explains above. ⬆️
ARGUMENTS, DELAYED
Robinson's defense team asked in recent court filings for a delay to preliminary hearings scheduled for April and May. The team argued they need time to review the bullet analysis, as well as footage from the scene and tens of thousands of pages of other evidence.
The FBI is running additional tests on the lead the bullet was made of and a second, comparative bullet.
A COMPLICATED SCIENCEThe accuracy of bullet forensics depends on the size and condition of the bullet fragments, as each gun leaves a microscopic, unique mark on a bullet, similar to a fingerprint. Law enforcement sometimes can only retrieve a small fragment of a bullet in poor condition, so the data may not be able to be traced to any gun, even with additional tests.
Utah County Attorney’s Office spokesman Christopher Ballard said he can’t comment on forensic testing and results — but he said “when the results of a bullet fragment analysis come back as inconclusive, that means only that the fragment did not contain enough detail for the examiner to determine whether the characteristics on the fragment were consistent with having been fired by a particular firearm.”
ONLY ONE PART OF THE CASE
Separately, prosecutors say they have a wealth of evidence tying Robinson and his DNA to the crime scene and gun.
Investigators have already tied Robinson's DNA to a towel that was wrapped around the rifle and a screwdriver from the roof where the shot was fired.
Robinson allegedly confessed to his family just before his arrest.
Robinson also confessed to his transgender roommate and possible partner, according to charging documents released by Utah County officials in September.
“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson allegedly wrote. Kirk was critical of transgenderism, calling it a “mental delusion.”
Kirk, a popular right-wing commentator, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University last September.
Robinson, 22, faces the death penalty if he is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.