The investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk has taken a dramatic turn, with the FBI announcing DNA matches and a chilling note allegedly written by the suspect now in custody.
DNA Ties to the Scene
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Monday that forensic tests linked the suspect’s DNA to both a towel wrapped around the rifle found near Utah Valley University and a screwdriver recovered at the sniper’s nest. “The DNA hits… are positively processed for the suspect in custody,” Patel said during an appearance on Fox News.
Authorities say the high-powered hunting rifle was discovered abandoned in a wooded area, close to where the fatal shot was fired.
A Chilling Note
According to Patel, investigators also uncovered evidence of a note the suspect allegedly wrote before the shooting. “He 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,” Patel explained.
The note was reportedly recovered from the home the suspect shared with a roommate, though Patel said it has since been destroyed. Forensic methods and interviews, he added, confirmed its contents.
Ideology Under Scrutiny
Patel noted that the suspect’s family told investigators he had recently embraced left-wing ideology, though his motive remains unclear. “My job as FBI director is not to speak to motive, it’s to speak to facts,” Patel stressed.
Ammunition linked to the recovered rifle was allegedly engraved with anti-fascist slogans and irreverent internet memes, adding to speculation about the suspect’s influences.
Discord Jokes After the Attack
The revelations follow disturbing details about the suspect’s online behavior.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that after the shooting, Robinson joked with friends on Discord. The banter began when FBI surveillance photos were shared, with users teasing him about his resemblance. Discord later clarified in a statement that they found no evidence Robinson promoted violence or planned the assassination on the platform.
“My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble,” the suspect allegedly wrote when teased about the FBI images. In another exchange, a user messaged “Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” before the suspect was taken into custody later that day.
A Nation in Mourning
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally struck in the neck while addressing students at UVU. The father of two collapsed in front of a horrified audience less than 20 minutes into the event.
President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Medal of Freedom and has called for Robinson to face the death penalty. “Charlie Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this,” Trump said.
The suspect, 22, remains in custody at Utah County Jail, under close watch, and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
