In the chaotic aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination, investigators made a significant discovery: a gun located in a wooded area near the scene of the crime in northern Utah. The weapon, a decades-old German-made rifle, poses a substantial challenge for federal agents who are working to trace its origins. According to multiple law enforcement sources, this rifle is a military model that was used during both World Wars, making it particularly difficult to trace due to its age. The lack of serial numbers or identifying marks—requirements that were not mandated until laws were established in the 1960s—means there could be millions of similar weapons unaccounted for in homes across the United States.
Fortunately for investigators, the alleged shooter, identified as Tyler Robinson, was apprehended thanks to assistance from his family, who encouraged him to surrender to the police. This development came just one day after Kirk was killed at an event held on the Utah Valley University campus. Prosecutors have revealed that Robinson, in text messages shared during the investigation, expressed his motives for the killing, stating he had "had enough of [Kirk's] hatred." At just 22 years old, Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and six additional counts, and prosecutors noted a shift in his beliefs, making him "more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented" prior to the incident.
The recovered firearm has been identified as a Mauser model 98, a popular bolt-action rifle known for its durability and accuracy. According to prosecutors, this .30-06 caliber rifle belonged to Robinson’s grandfather. However, law enforcement has not disclosed how Robinson’s grandfather acquired the weapon or whether they have been able to trace its history. An ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) spokesman declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Mauser model 98 requires manual reloading between shots, which distinguishes it from more rapid-fire weapons. This characteristic, along with its historical significance, has made it a favored choice among hunters and recreational shooters. After both World Wars, many American soldiers returned with German-made Mausers, and they became widely available through mail orders in subsequent years. They are often used for hunting medium to large game, including deer and elk, due to their effectiveness with .30-06 rounds.
Despite their popularity among hunters, the use of vintage rifles like the Mauser in violent crimes is exceedingly rare. According to former ATF agents and federal reports, most gun violence in the U.S. is committed with handguns and semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15. Tim Sloan, a former ATF agent, commented, “A bolt-action rifle? You don’t see those guns used in violent crimes.” Experts believe this is due to the difficulty of concealing such rifles and their design, which does not allow for rapid firing.
However, the inherent characteristics of the Mauser make it well-suited for sniper-style attacks. Because these rifles are common and well-respected among hunters, a person carrying one in a state like Utah would likely attract little attention. With a proper scope, even someone with minimal training can accurately strike a target from distances of 150 to 200 yards, similar to the distance from which Kirk was shot.
Despite the age of the Mauser model 98, experts indicate that these rifles are still widely available in firearm stores, pawn shops, and gun shows across America. They can be modified to accommodate various rounds and scopes, which can enhance their performance. “The basic, plain-Jane Mausers—you can go to any gun show in America and see these things for a few hundred dollars,” noted Scott Sweetow, a retired ATF official. “The heavily customized versions can go for thousands.”
The tragic circumstances surrounding Kirk's assassination resonate with historical precedents, notably the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Kennedy’s assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, used a bolt-action Carcano model 38, a firearm he obtained through mail order. This incident contributed to the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968, which introduced regulations requiring firearms to be sold by federally licensed dealers, marked for tracing, and accompanied by buyer identification paperwork.
Gun control advocates argue that the use of weapons like the Mauser model 98 in violent crimes highlights significant gaps in law enforcement’s ability to monitor firearm ownership. Greg Lickenbrock, a senior firearms analyst for Everytown for Gun Safety, emphasized that while hunting rifles are typically used for legitimate purposes, their availability raises concerns about accountability, particularly for older, unserialized firearms. “This is a very obvious example of the tracing system having huge holes in it,” he stated.
Even among staunch supporters of the Second Amendment, there is a growing sentiment that accountability for vintage firearms is necessary. Brian Greco, a retired NYPD officer and Marine Corps veteran, expressed his desire for better regulation. “A vintage firearm in grandpa’s old trunk is cool,” he said, “but it also unfortunately gives access to a firearm to someone who may otherwise have not had access or could have been denied access.”
