DNA evidence has tied 22-year-old Tyler Robinson to the murder of US conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Monday.
Robinson was arrested Thursday following a 33-hour manhunt after allegedly shooting Kirk with a sniper rifle from a rooftop during a speaking event at a Utah university. The 30-year-old father of two was struck in the neck and died at the scene.
Patel revealed that investigators found Robinson’s DNA on both a towel wrapped around the weapon and a screwdriver recovered at the scene. “The DNA hits from the towel that was wrapped around the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody,” Patel said on Fox News.
Authorities also uncovered evidence of a note Robinson is believed to have written before the crime. “The note is basically saying, ‘I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk,’” Patel explained, adding that forensic evidence of the destroyed note was recovered from Robinson’s family home.
Kirk, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was a close ally of President Donald Trump. Known for his large social media following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, he built his reputation by championing conservative values, strongly opposing transgender rights, and amplifying viral clips from his fiery college debates.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson was romantically involved with a transgender roommate and held “leftist ideology,” though investigators have not formally disclosed a motive.
Formal charges against Robinson are expected later this week.
What You Should Know
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a Utah campus event.
Suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, has been linked to the murder through DNA and a pre-crime note. Kirk, a Trump ally, used his massive online following to push conservative causes.
