FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday that forensic testing confirmed Tyler Robinson’s DNA on items connected to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, debunking conspiracy claims and even Robinson’s own mocking comments on Discord.
“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,” Patel said during a televised appearance.
Authorities located the towel-wrapped rifle in the woods where surveillance cameras tracked the gunman escaping after jumping from a campus rooftop. The screwdriver was discovered in the sniper’s position at Utah Valley University, where the deadly shot into Kirk’s neck was fired.
Investigators are continuing analysis on the bolt-action hunting rifle that is believed to have been the murder weapon.
Patel also disclosed that a handwritten note from Robinson was recovered, in which he pledged to “take out Charlie Kirk” and declared he was “going to take it.”
The FBI chief commended the pace of the probe, pointing out Robinson’s arrest came just 33 hours after the shooting. He highlighted the contrast with prior lengthy manhunts and stressed the bureau’s “transparent and open” handling of the case.
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Robinson has refused to cooperate since being taken into custody.
The 22-year-old suspect displayed no remorse and instead left mocking posts on Discord — a gaming-oriented platform often used by antifa-linked cells — suggesting he was following coverage of the manhunt closing in on him.
The timing of his online comments also hinted that the FBI’s $100,000 reward spurred acquaintances to interact with him.
“Wya?” one Discord user asked with a skull emoji, tagging Robinson’s handle just after the FBI released enhanced surveillance photos Thursday morning and unveiled the reward, according to The New York Times.
Within a minute, Robinson’s account replied that his “doppelgänger” was trying to “get me in trouble,” the report said.
“Tyler killed Charlie!!!!” another user responded in the chat.
The Times noted that screenshots of those exchanges were provided by a former classmate of Robinson’s.
Formal charges against Robinson are expected Tuesday. Officials have not officially stated a motive, but an affidavit indicated he recently told a relative he was considering killing Kirk.
Other posts attributed to Robinson, now facing potential capital punishment in Utah and in federal court, include:
• “My doppelganger trying to get me in trouble.”
• “Only if I get a cut” — when someone suggested turning him in for the FBI’s $100,000 bounty.
• “Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around,” he wrote after being warned, “Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonalds anytime soon,” in reference to another charged assassin, Luigi Mangione.
• “In a red state??? nah CLEARLY the shooter was from California,” he quipped when a user speculated Trump would deploy the National Guard to Utah.
• “I heard the ammo had somethin about trans stuff on it, but they aren’t releasing photos or exact quotes,” Robinson wrote as media outlets reported about markings tied to transgender ideology. He added, “and also the claim wasn’t backed by the official FBI, just some dude in the briefing room,” indicating he was following press briefings closely.
• Minutes later, Robinson joked: “I’m actually Charlie Kirk, wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death, now I can live out my dream life in Kansas.”
{Matzav.com}
