Defense lawyers dispute DNA evidence in Charlie Kirk case

Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are expected on Wednesday to question the DNA evidence linking their client to the weapon allegedly used.

Robinson’s lawyers questioned FBI analyst Amanda Bakker during the five-day preliminary hearing on Tuesday about the techniques she used to connect Robinson to a bolt-action rifle. The firearm was found wrapped inside a towel in a wooded area near where Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University last September.

Bakker said Robinson’s roommate gave the FBI a DNA sample for comparison. She then reran her tests and attributed all of the DNA to two people, Robinson’s roommate Lance Twiggs and likely Robinson.

Twiggs will not testify this week, but prosecutors said they will include a recorded statement.

But Robinson’s lawyers cast doubt on Bakker’s findings.

“She can’t match Mr. Robinson to the questioned samples,” defense attorney Michael Burt said.

Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride said the DNA testing can be examined if the case proceeds to trial. Prosecutors are seeking to convince state District Judge Tony Graf that there is enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial on an aggravated murder charge. They are also seeking the death penalty.

Graf will then have to determine if the case will proceed to a trial.

Former State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull also testified on Tuesday that Robinson bought a meal at a Chick-fil-A and spoke with members of Turning Point USA, Kirk’s political organization, before returning to the university in different clothes before the shooting.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have unsuccessfully attempted to take the death penalty off the table. They plan to call three forensic experts to testify this week, CNN reported Monday.

Less than 48 hours after Kirk was killed on Sept. 10, Robinson turned himself in with assistance from his parents and a family friend who was a retired detective and sheriff’s deputy.

Kirk was a close ally of President Trump and played a major role in the president’s ground game operation during the 2024 campaign. In October, Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s top civilian honor.

The Associated Press contributed.

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Defense lawyers dispute DNA evidence in Charlie Kirk case

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