Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10, 2025 after hosting a controversial open debate at Utah Valley University. After several intense search days, the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was identified through surveillance footage and previous online activity.
The 22-year-old turned himself in after a 33-hour manhunt. His family recognized their son in images shared on the news and urged him to go to the police station. Robinson faces numerous felony charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice and others, and remains in custody.
But six months after Charlie's death, a bombshell claim in the case against the accused circulated the internet.
© Getty ImagesWhat was found in recent reports?
According to multiple reports – including one from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) – the bullet used in the assassination does not match the rifle that has been tied to Robinson. After Charlie was killed, spare bullets still in the gun officials found read: "Hey fascist! Catch," "Bella Ciao," and "If you read this, you are gay lmao."
At the time, investigators believed Robinson was radicalized online, writing messages on the bullets from the dark web and Reddit. But, per TMZ, the 22-year-old's defense team is arguing that there is "a discrepancy between the ballistic evidence and the weapon prosecutors say is connected" to him.
© AFP via Getty ImagesBecause of these new findings, Robinson's defense team asked to delay his preliminary hearing scheduled in May so that they could review the bullet analysis. His team may use ATF's findings to clear Robinson of any blame.
As the news of the ATF's analysis broke, the lead sheriff on the case, Washington County Sheriff Keith Brooksby, resigned after 30 years in law enforcement. While there is no evidence that his resignation is tied to the case, many people on the internet tried to connect it.
Social media reactions to the reports on Tyler Robinson
Former Congresswoman from Georgia, Marjorie Taylor Greene, shared a headline on the new reports and wrote to X: "The ATF could not match the bullet to Tyler Robinson's gun and when the news breaks the sheriff resigns."
© AFP via Getty ImagesAnd fellow right-wing commentator, Candace Owens, who is embroiled in her own drama with Charlie's wife, Erika Kirk, wrote to X: "Where are all my neocons who have been 'overwhelmed' by the non-existent evidence against Tyler Robinson? You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Hope the money was worth it."
Who is Tyler Robinson?
Tyler Robinson, who faces seven charges for the murder of Charlie Kirk, is due back in court on April 17, 2026, for a hearing on a defense motion to ban cameras from the courtroom. The 22-year-old grew up in Utah with two younger brothers and was raised a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
© Getty ImagesGrowing up, Tyler and his family regularly went on trips to shoot guns and see weapons displays. The family even visited a military facility in 2017. Tyler graduated from Pine View High School in May 2021 and went on to enroll at Utah State University – the college where Charlie was killed.
But after one semester, he dropped out. After Tyler turned himself in, his roommate and romantic partner was reported as being "aghast" and "shocked" by the shooting. They went on to share private messages between themselves and Tyler, with one explaining his "need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point."
