Charlie Kirk Shooting: Suspect's DNA Found on Towel Wrapped Around Rifle

According to investigators, Tyler Robinson jumped down and deposited his rifle in a nearby wooded area after allegedly shooting and killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk from a rooftop at Utah Valley University.

By Joseph Wilkinson

Source New York Daily News

Sept. 15, 2025

2 min read

What to know

FBI Director Kash Patel said DNA from a towel wrapped around a rifle and a screwdriver ties suspect Tyler Robinson to the Sept. 10 shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Surveillance footage showed Robinson on a rooftop before he discarded the rifle in a wooded area, where investigators later recovered it.
Patel acknowledged criticism over early public statements during the search but defended releasing information as the investigation unfolded.

Investigators say Tyler Robinson's DNA was found on a towel wrapped around a rifle allegedly used in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event last week.

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.”

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