In Provo, Utah, authorities are deep in the investigation of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. A towel and screwdriver, believed to be linked to the crime, reportedly contain DNA from the alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, and his former partner, Lance Twiggs.
Robinson, 23, allegedly used the towel to hide the murder weapon near Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was shot during a Turning Point USA event at the university.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10 during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.
Police discovered the screwdriver near a suspected sniper location overlooking the event. Both Robinson and Twiggs voluntarily provided DNA samples to law enforcement, which confirmed their profiles on the objects found.
Robinson’s preliminary hearing began on Monday and continues through the week. Prosecutors need to establish probable cause before proceeding to trial. Charges include aggravated murder, with the death penalty as a possible outcome.
David Hull from the Utah Department of Public Safety testified with surveillance footage showing Robinson around the campus and near his Dodge Challenger before and after the shooting. Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina, with the State Bureau of Investigations, provided further evidence collected post-incident at UVU.
Robinson is alleged to have fired the shot that killed Kirk from the rooftop of the Losee Center.
The investigators recovered a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel. The rifle was modified to fire .30-06 rounds, matching fragments found in Kirk’s autopsy. DNA on the towel and screwdriver matched Robinson and Twiggs.
Robinson allegedly confessed through a handwritten note and texts to Twiggs, who cooperates with authorities. Twiggs has not been charged, though his DNA’s presence could bolster the case against Robinson.
Prosecutor questioned the extent of the defense’s interrogation of forensic evidence, focusing on DNA.
FBI analyst Amanda Bakker revealed Robinson contributed majorly to the mixed DNA samples, while Twiggs was a minor contributor. The defense faced challenges from the prosecution on intensive questioning related to DNA.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. intervened during discussions, urging for a concise line of questioning. Despite the lengthy proceedings, it is expected that prosecutors will establish probable cause, allowing the trial to advance.