Tyler Robinson: FBI confirms DNA links suspect to fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah college event

DNA found on a towel wrapped around the suspected firearm used to kill Charlie Kirk has been matched to the suspect in custody, FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection with the shooting of the right-wing influencer during an event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

The recovered bolt-action rifle and a screwdriver found on the rooftop from which the shot was fired bore forensic evidence linking Mr Robinson to the crime.

“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,” Mr Patel told Fox and Friends.

A formal charge is expected to be filed this week, although a motive has not yet been determined.

Mr Patel also revealed a note discovered at Mr Robinson’s home, which threatened to “take out” Kirk.

“It’s basically saying... ‘I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk’, and I’m going to take it. That note was written before the shooting,” Mr Patel said.

Despite the note having been destroyed, “we have found forensic evidence of the note.”

Investigators are examining Mr Robinson’s social media accounts for any indication that others may have had prior knowledge of or incited the shooting, CBS reported.

According to Utah County Sheriff records, Mr Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted that Mr Robinson, persuaded to surrender by his father, has refused to cooperate and denied committing the shooting, though his roommate and partner are assisting authorities.

Meanwhile, Vice-President JD Vance hosted a tribute episode of Kirk’s daily podcast at the White House, featuring conservative figures and Trump administration staffers to honour the late youth leader.

“One of Charlie’s gifts was not talking at you, but engaging you where you were,” White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said.

Mr Vance, a close friend of Mr Kirk, condemned those celebrating the death, stating, “people on the left are much likelier to defend and celebrate political violence.”

“I’m desperate for our country to be united in condemnation of the actions and the ideas that killed my friend... there is no unity with the people who celebrate Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and there is no unity with the people... who pay the salaries of these terrorist sympathisers,” Mr Vance said.

Mr Vance also vowed to dismantle institutions promoting violence and terrorism domestically, echoing White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who emphasised the need for an organised strategy against left-wing groups implicated in fostering violence.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a polarising figure who used his platform to mobilise conservative youth. He was shot while on his American Comeback Tour visiting various college campuses.

Mr Patel faced criticism after prematurely announcing a suspect’s arrest hours after the shooting, only to two hours later say that person had been released.

When asked about this, Mr Patel said, “Could I have worded it a little better in the heat of the moment? Sure. But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not.” He is scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday.