Charlie Kirk Murder: FBI Says DNA Matches Suspect, Finds Note Detailing Assassination Plot

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested last Thursday after a 33-hour manhunt and is expected to face formal murder charges later this week.

FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday confirmed that DNA found at the murder scene of US conservative influencer Charlie Kirk has been matched to suspect Tyler Robinson.

Robinson, 22, was arrested last Thursday after a 33-hour manhunt and is expected to face formal murder charges later this week. Authorities say Robinson used a sniper rifle to shoot Kirk with a single bullet to the neck from a rooftop.

Patel told Fox News that DNA from a towel wrapped around the firearm and from a screwdriver recovered at the scene both matched Robinson.

“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.

Note Details Assassination Plot

In addition, Patel revealed that investigators discovered a note believed to have been written by Robinson before the shooting.

The note reportedly stated, “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk’, and I’m going to take it that note was written before the shooting,” indicating a planned attack.

Although the physical note was destroyed, Patel said forensic evidence of it was recovered at the suspect’s family home.

“We have since learned the note, even though it was destroyed, we have found forensic evidence of the note and we have confirmed what the note said because our aggressive interview posture at the FBI,” the federal law enforcement agency chief said.

Charlie Kirk was shot on September 10, while speaking at a university event in Utah. He was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth political group, and a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump. Kirk used social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote conservative views, particularly criticising transgender rights and sharing edited clips of his debates on college campuses.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox had noted that Robinson had been romantically involved with a transgender roommate and described the suspect’s political beliefs as “leftist ideology.”

(With inputs from agencies)