(NewsNation) — FBI Director Kash Patel said DNA found by investigators links the suspect in custody to the fatal shooting of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking on Fox News, Patel said DNA found on a towel wrapped around the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting matches that of suspect Tyler Robinson.
Robinson was arrested after a two-day manhunt, and investigators say he is refusing to cooperate with them.
In addition to the towel, Patel said DNA found on a screwdriver on the rooftop of the building where the shooter was located matches Robinson.
Charlie Kirk wanted his legacy to be his faith. What did he believe?
Kirk was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University last week. Investigators say the shooter was on the roof of a building roughly 200 yards away and then jumped off the building and escaped through a nearby neighborhood.
Asked about rumors of a note written by the shooter, Patel said a note in Robinson’s home was destroyed, but investigators were still able to recover evidence from it. Patel said the note indicated Robinson had an opportunity to take out Kirk and planned to do so.
Patel also defended himself against criticism for the early handling of the investigation, when law enforcement twice said they had a suspect in custody, only to later announce that the individual had been released and was not involved.
