FBI says DNA evidence links suspect to Charlie Kirk murder

WASHINGTON

FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday that DNA evidence collected from the scene of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s killing matches the suspect currently in custody.

Patel, speaking in an interview with Fox News, said the bureau mobilized extensive resources immediately after the shooting, including air assets, evidence response teams and special operators.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while addressing a group of students at Utah Valley University in the city of Orem, some 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested over the death of the right-wing influencer.

“What we learned was there was evidence, DNA evidence, that could be collected and had been collected, including a screwdriver that was found on the rooftop,” Patel said. “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 added that the FBI has uncovered what he described as “shocking” evidence during the probe into Kirk’s assassination.

“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, adding that investigators obtained a text exchange in which the suspect allegedly told another individual he had an opportunity to target Kirk “because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for.”

Patel stressed that the FBI investigation remains ongoing, with agents continuing to interview witnesses and analyze forensic material, including cell phone data and DNA samples. Findings are being shared with local and federal prosecutors for charging decisions, he said.