Washington, September 16 (HS): The FBI has confirmed that DNA evidence directly ties the suspect in custody, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, to the rifle and tools used in the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile case.

FBI Director Kash Patel said forensic testing matched Robinson’s DNA to a towel wrapped around the bolt-action rifle recovered at the scene and to a screwdriver found on the roof where the fatal shot was fired. Patel also revealed that investigators uncovered remnants of a destroyed note in Robinson’s home that vowed to “take out” Kirk, strengthening the case for premeditation.

Robinson, arrested last week after being persuaded to surrender by his father, faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Prosecutors are expected to file formal charges this week, though a motive for the killing remains unknown.

The killing of Kirk, who was gunned down during a debate at Utah Valley University, has jolted the conservative movement. A vigil at the Kennedy Center on Monday featured tributes from Vice-President JD Vance and White House staff, with Vance vowing to “dismantle institutions that promote violence in our own country.” He slammed critics celebrating Kirk’s death, saying, “There is no unity with the people who defend political violence.”

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a polarising figure in national politics, was a longtime ally of President Trump and Vice-President Vance. His assassination has ignited fresh political battles over extremism, free speech, and partisan hostility as Congress prepares to question Patel on the FBI’s handling of the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar