DNA evidence found at the scene of the murder of prominent conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has been matched to suspect Tyler Robinson, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday.
Robinson, 22, was arrested Thursday after a 33-hour manhunt and is expected to face formal murder charges later this week, according to Utah authorities. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday during a speaking event at a Utah university campus. Authorities say the suspect used a sniper rifle to fire a single bullet into Kirk’s neck from a rooftop.
Speaking on Monday morning, Patel revealed, “The DNA hits from the towel wrapped around the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody.” He also disclosed that a note believed to have been written by Robinson before the crime expressed intent to target Kirk, stating, “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.” Additionally, forensic evidence of a second note, left at Robinson’s family home and later destroyed, has been recovered.
Kirk, a father of two, was a leading conservative voice, using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote conservative talking points, including criticism of the transgender rights movement. He was known for sharing edited clips of his debates at college events.
Robinson, described as a brilliant high school student raised in a Mormon, Republican household, was reportedly romantically involved with a transgender roommate and had adopted “leftist ideology,” according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing podcast host appointed under the Trump administration, told Fox News that Robinson had shown “multiple warning signs” of becoming “more political,” based on statements from friends and family.
Patel faced criticism for announcing a suspect’s arrest hours after the shooting, only to confirm two hours later that the individual was released. Defending his actions, Patel said, “Could I have worded it a little better in the heat of the moment? Sure. But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not.” He is scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday to address lawmakers’ questions.
President Trump will attend a memorial service for Kirk on Sunday at an Arizona stadium. Vice President JD Vance hosted Kirk’s podcast on Monday in a tribute to the late influencer.
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