Charlie Kirk Case: Legal Expert Sounds Off on Bombshell Defense Claim Bullet Doesn’t Match Alleged Assassin's Rifle

While Tyler Robinson's defense team claims the bullet that killed Charlie Kirk last fall may not match the rifle allegedly used by the suspect, a legal expert predicted he likely won't be acquitted for this reason.

In an interview published on Wednesday, April 1, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani explained that inconclusive ballistics reports are not atypical.

"It happens all the time," he said, pointing out that certain pieces of evidence can break down over time, making it challenging to determine whether it's connected to a case. "It doesn't necessarily mean the person is innocent, it doesn't exclude that firearm."

As OK! previously reported on Tuesday, the 22-year-old's attorneys claimed in a new court filing last week that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) "was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr. Robinson."

Per the motion, the ATF issued a summary report indicating they could not confirm the bullet fragment from the autopsy as having been fired from the Mauser Model 98 .30-06 rifle connected to the accused killer.

Rahmani stipulated "it's not like he's necessarily going to walk away from this just because there's an inconclusive ballistics report," but added, "it's certainly a good step in the right direction for the defense."

Authorities are accusing Robinson of fatally shooting the right-wing activist from a nearby rooftop while he was speaking during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

He is facing the death penalty, but has yet to enter a plea.

Rahmani also told People he thinks prosecutors could still "get over reasonable doubt without a conclusive, definitive ballistics report," noting evidence like alleged admissions Robinson made on Discord.

Robinson allegedly texted his roommate that he shot Kirk because of the conservative commentator's "hatred."

The defense is also seeking to delay the preliminary hearing currently scheduled for May by six months, claiming they need more time to conduct further forensic review.

"I would be shocked if we got to trial anytime in 2026," Rahmani continued. "This is probably the most high-profile death penalty case in recent memory."

A hearing will be held on April 17 to discuss whether the public and media should have access to future court hearings.

While the defense filed a motion to ban cameras from the courtroom, Kirk's widow, Erika, has requested full transparency in the case against her husband's alleged murderer.