PROVO, Utah (BN24) — Federal investigators say DNA evidence has directly linked a Utah man to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, a killing that authorities allege was driven by political motives.
FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, was connected to items recovered at the scene, including a towel wrapped around a firearm and a screwdriver found on a rooftop. Patel said forensic sequencing confirmed Robinson’s DNA on both objects.
“I can report today that 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 during an appearance on Fox & Friends.
Charges and Motive
Robinson was arrested last week and faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. He is being held at the Utah County Jail and is expected to be formally charged Tuesday.
According to Patel, Robinson’s attack was premeditated and motivated by “left-wing ideology.” Patel said investigators obtained text messages in which Robinson allegedly told another person that he had “an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk” and intended to act because of his political hatred toward Kirk.
Family members told investigators Robinson had increasingly embraced left-leaning political views over the past several years.
Evidence and Investigation
Authorities said the firearm itself, identified as a Mauser bolt-action rifle, remains under analysis at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives laboratory in Maryland. The rifle was discovered near spent bullet casings that contained engravings, including the phrase: “Hey fascist! Catch!”
Patel said he personally walked the crime scene with agents, underscoring the bureau’s commitment to the case. He also defended his handling of the investigation amid criticism that the FBI “grandstanded” after initially detaining another person who was later released without charges.
“The job of the FBI is not just to manhunt the actual suspect, but also to eliminate subjects who are not involved,” Patel said. “Could I have worded it better in the heat of the moment? Sure. But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not.”
Relations With Local Law Enforcement
Patel downplayed reports of tensions with local authorities, calling state and municipal police “fantastic partners.” However, he admitted frustration over delays in photo sharing, saying he accelerated the release process.
“The photos were produced, they just weren’t produced in a timely fashion that I felt was appropriate for an investigation of this magnitude,” Patel said.
Community Shock
Neighbors and family members described Robinson as a “considerate” young man from suburban Utah who had recently become more politically engaged. His arrest shocked acquaintances who said he had been known as “squeaky clean” before the shooting.
Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down on campus last Wednesday. His death has sparked widespread mourning in conservative circles and intensified political debate over threats faced by public figures.
