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Authorities have confirmed new forensic evidence tying 22-year-old Tyler Robinson to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last week. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Monday that investigators recovered Robinson's DNA on multiple items abandoned near the crime scene.
Patel told Fox & Friends that DNA samples were matched from "the towel that was wrapped around the firearm" and from "a screwdriver found on a rooftop," both linked to the sniper's nest where the shot was fired. Investigators are also analysing DNA discovered on the Mauser bolt-action hunting rifle allegedly used in the killing. The weapon was found discarded in a wooded area, along with bullet casings etched with messages such as "Hey fascist! Catch!"
Kirk, 31, was addressing a Turning Point USA rally of more than 3,000 people when a single shot struck him in the neck. Despite immediate efforts by his security team to rush him to the hospital, he did not survive.
Robinson's arrest came after his father recognized him in photos released by the FBI and alerted a local youth pastor, who then contacted authorities. The manhunt ended in just 33 hours. "If you look at historical cases like [Luigi] Mangione and the Boston bombing, those two manhunts took five days. We apprehended our suspect in 33 hours because we were transparent and open," Patel said.
Investigators have also uncovered disturbing communications. Robinson allegedly texted an acquaintance that he had the opportunity to "take out Charlie Kirk" and was "going to do it because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for." Patel described the shooting as premeditated and influenced by Robinson's "left-wing ideology."
Additional evidence included a note Robinson is said to have written echoing the same threats. Utah Governor Spencer Cox added that the suspect was "not cooperating" with authorities and had been radicalized online. He confirmed Robinson is under special watch in Utah County Jail to assess whether he poses a risk to himself.
Prosecutors have filed charges against Robinson that include aggravated murder, firing a weapon and causing serious harm, as well as obstruction of justice. His initial hearing in court is scheduled for Tuesday.
