Federal investigators have linked bombshell evidence to Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a university event in Utah.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Monday, September 15, that DNA found on a towel wrapped around the suspected murder weapon, as well as a screwdriver discovered at a sniper’s nest, matched Robinson. Speaking on Fox News, Patel said investigators also recovered a handwritten note in which Robinson allegedly declared his intent to “take out” Kirk because of his opposition to the activist’s political views.
Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The high-powered hunting rifle used in the attack was later found in a wooded area nearby.
Patel said the note, discovered at Robinson’s home, has since been destroyed but was documented with forensic evidence and corroborated during FBI questioning. Robinson’s family reportedly told investigators he subscribed to left-wing ideology, and ammunition recovered alongside the rifle was engraved with antifascist slogans.
Robinson, who was arrested on Thursday, has so far refused to cooperate with authorities. He is being held under special watch as prosecutors prepare their case. Patel stressed that while the FBI will not speculate on motive, it will continue to present evidence “based on facts.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that Robinson joked about his resemblance to images of the suspected gunman in private Discord chats after the assassination. In one exchange, Robinson dismissed suspicions by writing, “My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble.” Hours later, his father urged him to surrender, and he was arrested after a family friend alerted police.
The shooting, which unfolded before a shocked student audience, marked the first stop of Kirk’s new campus debate tour. He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
In the aftermath, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Medal of Freedom and demanded that Robinson face the death penalty. Robinson is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.
