Untraceable Rifle Used in Charlie Kirk Assassination

The gun that Tyler Robinson allegedly used to assassinate Charlie Kirk was a WWI-era rifle that may be untraceable. The gun, a Mauser model rifle, predates a law that was created after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy that mandated weapons to be etched with unique, traceable serial numbers.

According to a retired official with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, millions of these weapons are believed to be in homes throughout the country.

Robinson, 33, allegedly ditched the rifle, which he called “grandpa’s rifle” in a text message to his roommate, in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus after the assassination. Cops found the weapon, and investigators claim they recovered DNA from it that is consistent with Robinson.

Mauser model 98 rifles were the standard rifle used by the Germans during World War I, and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler favored a shorter version for the German Army in World War II. Thousands of American soldiers brought the rifles home with them after the wars, and they have since become popular with hunters. The vintage rifles are also widely available at firearm stores, pawn shops, and gun shows, but newer models have unique serial numbers.

In a text message, Robinson said he knew the rifle was free of any such etchings. “IDK if it has a serial number but it wouldn’t trace to me. I’m worried about prints, I had to leave it in a bush where i changed outfits, didn’t have the ability or time to take it with.”

Other messages from Robinson revealed that he was remorseless about killing the father of two. “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” he allegedly said.