Federal investigators have announced that DNA evidence has forensically linked a suspect to the killing of conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
According to a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday, DNA recovered from a towel wrapped around the firearm used in the shooting, as well as from a screwdriver found at the scene, has been positively matched to suspect Tyler Robinson. The 22-year-old was arrested last Thursday following an extensive 33-hour manhunt and is anticipated to be formally charged with murder this week.
The shooting occurred last Wednesday during a speaking event at a Utah university. Authorities state that Kirk was fatally struck by a single bullet fired from a sniper rifle on a nearby rooftop.
Director Patel also revealed that a note, believed to have been written by Robinson prior to the attack, expressed a clear intent to target Kirk. A second note, which was reportedly destroyed after being left at the suspect's family home, has been recovered by forensic experts.
The case has drawn significant political attention due to Kirk's profile as a prominent conservative voice and ally of former President Donald Trump. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Robinson as a former high school standout from a Republican family who had recently adopted "leftist ideology," noting his association with a transgender roommate.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, citing accounts from friends and family, stated that the suspect had displayed "multiple warning signs" of radicalization.
Director Patel is scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to face questions about the handling of the investigation, including the brief, erroneous announcement of an arrest hours after the shooting.
A memorial service for Kirk, who was a father of two, will be held on Sunday in Arizona and is expected to be attended by former President Trump.
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