DNA discovered on the spot the place Charlie Kirk’s murderer hid has been positively matched to the suspect, Tyler Robinson — who wrote that he deliberate to “take out” the conservative as a result of he “hated” his views, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed early Monday.
The important thing information got here from a towel that coated the homicide weapon when it was ditched — in addition to a screwdriver discovered within the sniper’s nest on a roof, Patel informed “Fox & Pals.”
“I can report at this time that the DNA hits from the towel that was wrapped across the firearm and the DNA on the screwdriver are positively processed for the suspect in custody,” Patel stated.
The bolt-action looking rifle discovered ditched close by remains to be being examined, Patel stated, teasing an impending announcement from the lab.
Investigators “realized some surprising issues” from Robinson’s household and pals — together with his transgender boyfriend — whereas additionally confirming that he had more and more grow to be extra left-wing, Patel stated.
“He had a textual content message alternate with one other particular person through which he claimed that he had a possibility to take out Charlie Kirk — and he was going to do it due to his hatred for what Charlie stood for,” Patel stated.
Keep updated on the capturing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Patel didn’t determine who the opposite individual was, nor say if there can be potential costs for not coming ahead earlier.
He later recommended the identical warning was on a bodily observe, with out saying if the observe was shared within the textual content or if it was separate.
“The written observe, we consider, did exist, and we’ve proof to point out what was in that observe,” repeating that it was principally “saying, ‘I’ve the chance to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.’”
“That observe was written earlier than the capturing,” the FBI director stated, saying it had been the house Robinson shared together with his boyfriend.
“We’ve since realized that the observe, although it has been destroyed, we’ve discovered forensic proof of the observe, and we’ve confirmed what that observe says.”
Patel confirmed that Robinson will not be cooperating with authorities, however a lot of these round him — together with his household — have helped.
“His household has collectively informed investigators that he subscribed to left-wing ideology and much more so in these final couple of years,” he stated.
Robinson, 22, stays in custody and is ready to be formally charged with homicide on Tuesday.
Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was killed by a single rifle shot throughout final week’s Turning Level USA occasion at Utah Valley College in Orem, attended by some 3,000 folks.
Patel, who was shut pals with Kirk, paid an emotional tribute to him at a press convention on Thursday.
“Lastly, to my good friend Charlie Kirk, relaxation now, brother. We’ve the watch and I’ll see you in Valhalla,” he stated.
Vice President JD Vance introduced he’ll host Charlie Kirk’s present on Monday from the White Home as a private tribute to his fallen good friend.
