The FBI said Monday that DNA recovered from the location where the shooter in the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk hid has positively matched 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, and that Robinson wrote about plans to “take out” Kirk.
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox & Friends that DNA from a towel used to cover the murder weapon when it was discarded and from a screwdriver found in what authorities described as a sniper’s nest on a roof matched Robinson. Additional DNA recovered from a bolt-action hunting rifle believed to have been used in last Wednesday’s shooting remains under analysis to determine any link to the suspect, Patel said. Patel also said investigators found a note in which Robinson wrote that he had an opportunity to “take out Charlie Kirk,” and that he intended to do so.
Robinson, who has been taken into custody, is not cooperating with authorities, Patel said. The FBI director praised the agency’s speed and transparency in the case, noting the suspect was apprehended within 33 hours of the slaying. “If you look at historical cases like [Luigi] Mangione and the Boston bombing, those two manhunts took five days,” Patel said. “We apprehended our suspect in 33 hours because we were transparent and open.”
Investigators have said the shooter used a bolt-action hunting rifle. Law enforcement recovered a rifle near the scene and subsequently found the hiding place on a roof where a screwdriver and other items were collected as evidence, Patel said. Forensic teams are conducting further testing on biological material recovered from the firearm and other items to establish a full evidentiary link to Robinson.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot at a speaking event last week in Utah. Authorities have said the attack occurred during a public appearance; details released by law enforcement since the shooting have focused on the recovery of the weapon and the search that led to the rooftop hiding spot where some of the forensic material was recovered.
State officials released a booking photo of the suspect after his arrest. The Utah Governor’s Office made the image available as investigators continued interviewing witnesses and processing evidence at multiple locations connected to the case.
Federal and local law enforcement agencies said the probe remains active as forensic testing continues and investigators pursue leads about the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting. Authorities did not provide new details Monday about any charges filed against Robinson or whether additional suspects are being sought. Patel said the FBI would continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
The shooting has drawn national attention because of Kirk’s profile in conservative political media. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators complete forensic analyses and interview possible witnesses.