FBI Links Suspect’s DNA To Kirk Assassination Weapon
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday that DNA evidence has directly tied the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk to the weapon used in last week’s killing at Utah Valley University.
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Patel said forensic testing confirmed that DNA from Tyler Robinson, 22, matched samples recovered from a towel wrapped around the sniper rifle, as well as from a screwdriver found on the roof where the fatal shot was fired.
“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.
?BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel confirms DNA from the towel wrapped around the suspected assassination weapon — and from a screwdriver left on the UVU rooftop — both match the suspect already in custody. pic.twitter.com/1PNuhNrIlW
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 15, 2025
Investigators believe Robinson used the rooftop perch to fire a single bullet that struck and killed Kirk, 31, as he spoke to students during a campus debate event. Surveillance video shows a man fleeing across the roof moments after the shot. The rifle was later recovered in nearby woods, with ammunition engraved with anti-fascist slogans.
Patel emphasized that while the FBI does not speculate on motive, the evidence clearly points to Robinson’s political radicalization. “His family has collectively told investigators that he subscribed to left-wing ideology and even more so in these last couple of years,” Patel said.
The FBI director also revealed that investigators obtained a text message in which Robinson allegedly wrote that he had “an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk” and intended to act on it “because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for.”
Patel confirmed Robinson is refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. Earlier reports indicated Robinson admitted the shooting to his father, who persuaded him to surrender peacefully with the help of a family friend.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has vowed that Robinson will face the death penalty if convicted.
Kirk’s assassination has rocked the nation, sparking tributes across sports, politics, and faith communities, as well as a massive surge of young conservatives joining Turning Point USA chapters nationwide.