FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that DNA evidence directly ties 22-year-old Tyler Robinson to the murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Patel, speaking Monday on Fox News, revealed that DNA samples taken from a towel wrapped around the sniper rifle and a screwdriver found at the crime scene matched Robinson, who was arrested last Thursday after a 33-hour manhunt.
Authorities allege that Robinson fatally shot Kirk with a single sniper round to the neck from a rooftop while the activist was addressing students at a Utah university.
Patel also disclosed that investigators uncovered evidence of a note written by Robinson prior to the shooting. “It was basically saying, ‘I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,’” Patel said, adding that forensic traces of the destroyed note were found at Robinson’s family home.
Kirk, 31, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in conservative politics. Known for his sharp critiques of progressive policies and his high-profile debates on college campuses, Kirk built a large online following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson had a history of leftist leanings and was romantically involved with a transgender roommate, a detail now under investigation.
Robinson is expected to be formally charged later this week.