Defense Cites New Ballistics Findings in Delay Request

New court documents reveal a potential challenge to the prosecution's case against Tyler Robinson, the defendant charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk. Robinson's legal team filed paperwork on Friday seeking a postponement of his preliminary hearing.

The defense argues they require additional time to thoroughly examine a recent bullet analysis. This analysis reportedly casts doubt on the connection between the recovered bullet fragment and the rifle allegedly used in the fatal shooting on September 10, 2025.

Preliminary Hearing Postponement Sought

Robinson faces multiple charges stemming from the death of Kirk. His lawyers are specifically requesting that the preliminary hearing, currently set for May 18, be pushed back by at least six months.

The defense team cited court filings, obtained by The Associated Press, detailing the findings from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These findings allegedly could not definitively link the bullet fragment recovered during the autopsy to the weapon found near the crime scene.

Conflicting Evidence and Next Steps

Attorneys suggest they may leverage this inconclusive ATF report during the preliminary hearing in an attempt to clear Robinson of responsibility. While the full ATF report remains confidential, snippets cited in public filings confirm the results were inconclusive.

Conversely, prosecutors maintain they possess sufficient evidence to move forward, pointing to DNA evidence that allegedly connects Robinson to the killing. Furthermore, court documents indicate the FBI is currently conducting additional forensic tests on the bullet evidence.

Upcoming Court Appearances

The recent filing also detailed the list of witnesses the prosecution intends to present at the preliminary hearing. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court sooner, however, on April 17.

This April appearance is specifically to address a defense motion aiming to prohibit cameras inside the courtroom. Notably, the defense team did not request a delay for this April 17 hearing, focusing their postponement request solely on the preliminary hearing.