Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson’s DNA was found on a towel wrapped around a rifle at the scene of the crime, FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday.
Robinson, 22, was captured on surveillance camera walking across a rooftop, and investigators said he jumped down and ditched his rifle in a nearby wooded area. He also left a screwdriver on top of the roof, authorities said.
“I can report today that the DNA hit 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 Monday on “Fox and Friends.”
The DNA would be the first physical evidence linking Robinson to the crime. He was arrested Friday after family members encouraged him to turn himself in. Officials have said Robinson is not cooperating with police, but his relatives and friends have been helpful.
Patel said only the towel and the screwdriver have been analyzed so far, while agents are still processing the rifle itself.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson messaged another person shortly after the shooting and told them to pick up the rifle from his “drop point” in a bush. Investigators found it shortly after Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.
Patel has also faced criticism for his actions during the search for Kirk’s killer, and he is expected to testify in front of Congress this week.
Hours after the shooting, Patel announced a “subject” was in custody. However, the two men detained shortly after the killing were quickly released without charges. Robinson wasn’t arrested until two days later.
“Could I have worded it a little better in the heat of the moment? Sure,” Patel said Monday on “Fox and Friends. “But do I regret putting it out? Absolutely not.”
