FBI Director Kash Patel announced that DNA linked to the weapon authorities believe was used in the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk matches that of the suspected assassin.
Patel made the announcement Monday morning on “Fox & Friends,” per the Daily Wire.
Patel gave an update on the investigation into Kirk’s assassination Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University. He said DNA taken from a towel that was wrapped around the alleged murder weapon — a rifle — matched that of Tyler Robinson, 22, who has been arrested for killing Kirk.
“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.
The screwdriver was found on the roof of a Utah Valley University building, where investigators allege Robinson shot Kirk as he was speaking on campus. Video footage shows a man running across the roof shortly after shots were fired.
The rifle found hidden in the woods not far from campus. Ammunition was found with anti-fascist inscriptions.
“My job as FBI director is not to speak to motive, it’s to speak to the facts. And that’s what I’m going to do. 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.
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He added investigators had a text message where Robinson “claimed that he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do it, because of his hatred for what Charlie stood for.”
He would not comment on who received the message and why the person did not act upon getting the message.
Patel also said Robinson was not cooperating with law enforcement.
Previously, investigators said he admitted to his father he had shot Kirk. He then peacefully turned himself in. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has said the death penalty will be pursued if Robinson is convicted.
