Yes, the rifle recovered and alleged to be the murder weapon in Charlie Kirk’s September 10, 2025, assassination was extensively tested by forensic labs (primarily ATF for firearms/ballistics and FBI for DNA).
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Key Testing and FindingsThe suspected weapon is a Mauser Model 98 (or similar) .30-06 bolt-action rifle (serial number 8863) with a scope. It was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near Utah Valley University shortly after the shooting, consistent with surveillance video of the suspect’s movements. It contained one spent round and three unfired engraved rounds.
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ATF firearms/ballistics testing (report dated September 17, 2025): The rifle was examined along with the spent cartridge case, unfired cartridges, a bullet jacket fragment from Kirk’s autopsy, and lead fragments. The rifle was confirmed functional (it was test-fired/operational). The spent cartridge case was positively identified as having been fired from this rifle (via firing pin, breech face, and other toolmark comparisons). The bullet jacket fragment was inconclusive (could not be identified or excluded as fired from the rifle) because it was heavily damaged/deformed after striking bone. Lead fragments were unsuitable for comparison. This “inconclusive” result on the projectile is common with fragmented rifle bullets and does not mean the rifle did not fire it or rule it out.
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DNA testing: DNA consistent with Tyler Robinson was found on the rifle (including the trigger and other parts), the fired cartridge casing, unfired cartridges, and the towel. Independent testing occurred at ATF and FBI labs. Profiles on some items were mixed (e.g., with roommate Lance Twiggs on the towel), and defense attorneys have challenged interpretations in court (noting FBI policy on reporting “possible contributor” vs. absolute identification).
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Context from the Ongoing Case and HearingIn the July 2026 preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence including:Surveillance video of the suspect’s movements on campus and the roof.
Recovery of the rifle in the area where the suspect fled.
Photos of the weapon and ballistics-related evidence.
DNA results.
Texts/note allegedly confessing to the crime.
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No shell casings or bullets were recovered on the roof itself (consistent with a bolt-action rifle fired once, with the spent round remaining in the gun until recovery).
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About “Testing to See When the Gun Was Fired”Public reports do not detail specific tests to determine the exact recency of firing (e.g., advanced gunpowder residue aging or barrel residue dating). Standard procedure focuses on toolmark comparisons (which were done via test-firing/comparison) and the presence of the spent casing in the recovered rifle. Gunshot residue (GSR) on a person’s hands/clothes is often unreliable after hours or if washed off, and the suspect surrendered the next day. No public contradictions or claims of skipped core testing appear in court documents or reliable reporting.Bottom LineThe tested rifle is the one prosecutors allege was used in the assassination. It has multiple strong links: positive spent-casing match, DNA on the gun and related items, location tied to the suspect’s path via video, and other evidence (confessions, etc.). The defense has emphasized the inconclusive bullet-fragment result as a point of contention, but experts note this is not exculpatory and does not undermine the overall case.
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The case remains in the preliminary hearing stage (probable cause determination, not a full trial), with the judge to decide if it proceeds. Details can evolve with further testimony or testing. For the most current official updates, refer to court records from Utah’s Fourth District Court.