Federal investigators have uncovered compelling evidence tying 22-year-old Tyler Robinson to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA.
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University, the first stop of his campus debate tour.
FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking on Fox News on September 15, confirmed that DNA evidence found on a towel wrapped around the suspected murder weapon—a high-powered hunting rifle—matched Robinson.
Additionally, a screwdriver discovered at a sniper’s nest in a nearby wooded area also bore Robinson’s DNA.
Investigators further recovered a handwritten note at Robinson’s home, in which he allegedly expressed his intent to “take out” Kirk due to his political views.
Although the note was destroyed, Patel stated it had been forensically documented and corroborated during FBI questioning.
Authorities revealed that ammunition found with the rifle was engraved with antifascist slogans, and Robinson’s family reported that he held left-wing ideological beliefs.
Arrested on September 11, Robinson has refused to cooperate with investigators and is currently under special watch as prosecutors build their case.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox disclosed that Robinson made light of his resemblance to images of the suspected gunman in private Discord messages, writing, “My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble.”
Hours later, following his father’s urging and a tip from a family friend, Robinson was apprehended.
The brazen attack, witnessed by a stunned student audience, has left Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children in mourning.
In response, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Medal of Freedom and called for Robinson to face the death penalty.
Robinson is set to appear in court for the first time on Tuesday, September 16, as the investigation continues.
Patel emphasized that the FBI will focus on presenting evidence “based on facts” without speculating on motive.
