The DNA found on a towel wrapped around the suspected gun used in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk has been matched to the suspect currently in custody, the FBI director announced on Monday. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with the death of the prominent right-wing influencer at an event held at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. A bolt-action rifle was discovered near the scene of the shooting, while a screwdriver was retrieved from the rooftop from where the lethal shot was fired.
"I can confirm today that the DNA evidence recovered from the towel wrapped around the firearm, as well as the DNA found on the screwdriver, has been positively linked to the suspect in our custody," Kash Patel revealed on Fox and Friends. A formal charge is anticipated later this week, though a motive for the crime remains unclear.
Patel, who is set to face questioning during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, also referenced a note discovered at Robinson's residence that explicitly threatened to "take out" Kirk. "The note essentially states, 'I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to seize it,'" Patel explained, adding that the note appeared to have been written prior to the shooting. "Although the note has been destroyed, we have uncovered forensic evidence confirming its existence," he continued.
Investigators are also scrutinizing social media accounts associated with Robinson, according to CBS, the BBC's U.S. news partner, to uncover any potential signs that someone may have been aware of or even encouraged the shooting in advance. An inmate booking sheet from the Utah County Sheriff's Office, obtained by the BBC, indicates that Robinson is facing charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.
This development comes after Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed on Sunday that Robinson, who was persuaded to surrender by his father, had been uncooperative with investigators and had not confessed to the shooting. Cox also mentioned that Robinson's roommate and partner had been assisting in the investigation.
On Monday, Vice President JD Vance hosted a special tribute episode of Kirk's daily podcast from the White House, joining forces with conservative figures and Trump administration aides to honor the memory of the 31-year-old, who had long been a staunch ally of the president. "One of Charlie's greatest gifts was his ability to engage with people, not just talk at them," White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles remarked to Vance.
Vance, a close friend of Kirk's, directly addressed the audience, condemning criticism of Kirk that followed his death. "I am desperate for our country to unite in condemning the actions and ideas that led to my friend's murder," Vance declared. "There can be no unity with those who celebrate Charlie Kirk's assassination, nor with those who fund these terrorist sympathizers," he added.
Vance vowed that the administration would "work to dismantle the institutions that promote violence and terrorism within our own borders," echoing earlier sentiments expressed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on the podcast. "Charlie's last message to me was that we need a coordinated strategy to target the left-wing organizations promoting violence in this country," Miller recounted to Vance. He asserted that the government would "uproot and dismantle these terrorist networks" that he claimed were responsible for "leading to this assassination."
Kirk rose to national prominence as the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization. The father of two had been hosting the American Comeback Tour, a series of debates with college students across several U.S. campuses, when he was tragically shot.
