FBI director Patel: DNA links Tyler Robinson to Charlie Kirk's killing

by · UPI

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- DNA sequencing in last week's shooting death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk links suspect Tyler Robinson to the crime, FBI director Kash Patel said.

Charges are expected to be filed Tuesday in Utah County, Utah, against Robinson.

"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," said Patel on Monday on a Fox broadcast.

Kirk, 31, was initially reported to be in critical condition after the shooting and was removed from the stage by security while bleeding from the neck and taken to a hospital. Soon after, President Donald Trump announced Kirk's death on social media.

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Robinson, 22, faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and a felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury.

Patel said DNA matching Robinson's was found on a firearm wrapped in a discarded towel near the university campus. The FBI director also defended himself from recent criticism over his handling of the Kirk shooting case.

Robinson was arrested Friday after a family member saw photos and turned him in to police.

Neighbors and family members said Robinson was a "squeaky clean" and "considerate" boy from suburban Utah who may have recently developed an interest in politics.

Memorial services for Kirk, a conservative with close ties to the White House, are planned for Sunday at Arizona's State Farm Stadium in Glendale, which can seat more than 63,000 and expanded can seat up to 72,000.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance said he would host The Charlie Kirk Show podcast at noon Monday.