DNA on a towel wrapped around the suspected gun used to kill Charlie Kirk has been matched to the suspect in custody, the director of the FBI said on Monday.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested over the death of the right-wing influencer at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. A bolt-action rifle was recovered near the shooting, and a screwdriver was found on the roof from 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, Kash Patel told Fox and Friends.
A formal charge is expected this week. A motive has yet to be determined.
The FBI director, facing scrutiny over his handling of the case, referenced a note discovered at the suspect's home, which vowed to take out Kirk.
It's basically saying... 'I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk', and I'm going to take it. That note was written before the shooting, said Patel.
He added, even though it has been destroyed, we have found forensic evidence of the note. According to a Utah County Sheriff inmate booking sheet, Robinson is accused of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.
The breakthrough comes after Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that Robinson, who had been persuaded to surrender by his father, had been refusing to cooperate with investigators and had not confessed.
Cox mentioned that Robinson's roommate, believed to be transgender, had been aiding the investigation.
Vice President JD Vance will host Monday's episode of Kirk's podcast in tribute to his friend and long-time Trump ally.
Kirk, a polarizing figure who grew to national prominence as a co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while participating in the American Comeback Tour, debating college students across the US.
