Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin's lawyers dispute bullet-rifle connection

Provo, Utah — Attorneys representing the individual accused of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have requested a postponement of a preliminary hearing slated for May. 

They claim they require additional time to examine a substantial volume of materials and a bullet analysis that might support the defense.

The legal team for Tyler Robinson stated in recent court submissions that the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a federal agency, conducted an analysis which failed to definitively link a bullet fragment found during the autopsy with the rifle discovered close to the crime scene.

The FBI is conducting further examinations, according to court files.

These files indicate the FBI is "in the process" of performing another bullet analysis, as well as examining the composition of the lead used in the bullet, as reported by CBS Salt Lake City affiliate KUTV.

The ATF's findings have been kept under wraps, but legal representatives have referred to portions in other public records, stating the results were not definitive.

The outcome of a forensic ballistic examination largely relies on the size and state of the bullet pieces. 

Experts search for distinct, microscopic impressions left on a bullet as it moves through the gun barrel. These marks are like fingerprints, with no two guns creating the same pattern.

The defense noted in its filing that it might utilise the analysis to exonerate Robinson at the preliminary hearing, whereas prosecutors hope to demonstrate they possess adequate evidence to proceed to trial.

The prosecution plans to pursue the death penalty for Robinson, 22, who faces charges of aggravated murder stemming from the shooting on September 10 of the conservative figure on Utah Valley University's campus in Orem. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

The prosecution claims DNA matching Robinson's was discovered on the rifle's trigger, a spent cartridge case, and two unfired rounds. 

Defense lawyers mention that forensic tests showed DNA from multiple individuals on some items, suggesting a more intricate analysis is necessary.

According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly messaged a romantic partner, stating he targeted Kirk because he was "fed up with his animosity."

Robinson is expected to return to court on April 17 for a hearing regarding a defense motion seeking to exclude cameras from the courtroom.