FBI: Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Left Disturbing Note Before Attack
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, reportedly left a chilling handwritten message outlining his intentions, according to the FBI.
On Monday, September 15, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed new details in the investigation, including DNA evidence linking Robinson to items recovered at the scene. Forensic analysis confirmed Robinson’s DNA was found on a towel wrapped around the firearm believed to be used in the attack, as well as a screwdriver discovered in what authorities described as a “sniper’s nest.”
The weapon — a high-powered hunting rifle — was later located in a wooded area not far from the university campus, where Kirk had been speaking as part of a nationwide debate tour.
According to Patel, a note allegedly written by Robinson was found during a search of his home. In it, he reportedly expressed a desire to “take out” Kirk over political disagreements. While the note itself was later destroyed, officials say it was thoroughly documented and supported by forensic findings.
Sources close to the investigation say Robinson’s family told agents he held strong left-wing beliefs. Ammunition recovered with the rifle was marked with antifascist slogans, further suggesting ideological motivation.
Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday. Officials say he has not cooperated with law enforcement and remains under close watch as the legal process moves forward. While the FBI has stopped short of officially stating a motive, Patel emphasized that the case is being built strictly on verified evidence.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox added another layer to the case, revealing that Robinson had privately joked about resembling the gunman caught on surveillance footage, even dismissing suspicions in a Discord chat by writing, “My doppelganger’s trying to get me in trouble.” Shortly after those messages were sent, Robinson was arrested following a tip from a family friend.
The tragic incident occurred on September 10 and shocked students and faculty in attendance. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was struck in the neck and died at the scene. He leaves behind a wife, Erika, and two young children.
In response to the tragedy, former President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Medal of Freedom and publicly called for Robinson to face the death penalty. Robinson’s first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
