FBI CONFIRMS DNA LINKS SUSPECT TO MURDER OF US CONSERVATIVE INFLUENCER CHARLIE KIRK

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The FBI has confirmed that DNA evidence recovered from the scene of the murder of US conservative influencer Charlie Kirk matches that of 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson.

FBI Director Kash Patel made the disclosure on Monday during an appearance on Fox News, revealing that DNA found on a towel wrapped around the firearm and on a screwdriver recovered from the scene both tested positive for Robinson.

Robinson was arrested Thursday following a 33-hour manhunt and is expected to be formally charged with murder by Utah authorities on Tuesday.

Kirk, founder of the influential conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at a Utah university campus. Authorities said the attacker used a sniper rifle to fire a single shot to Kirk’s neck from a rooftop.

Patel also revealed that investigators uncovered a note Robinson allegedly wrote before the attack, expressing his intent to kill Kirk. Although a copy of the note found at Robinson’s family home was destroyed, forensic experts reportedly retrieved trace evidence.

The 30-year-old influencer, a father of two, built a massive online following through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he frequently criticized progressive movements, including transgender rights. He was widely known for posting debate clips from his campus speaking tours.

President Trump is expected to attend Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona on Sunday, while Vice President JD Vance hosted Kirk’s podcast on Monday in his honor.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox suggested that Robinson, described as a brilliant student from a conservative Mormon family, had recently become politically radicalized and was romantically linked to a transgender roommate.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino noted that the suspect had shown “multiple warning signs” leading up to the crime.

Director Patel, meanwhile, faced criticism for his handling of the case’s early hours, after prematurely announcing an arrest that was later retracted. Defending his actions, he 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.”

Patel is scheduled to appear before Congress on Tuesday to face questioning over the FBI’s response to the high-profile killing.