The man accused of assassinating right-wing firebrand Charlie Kirk justified the slaying by claiming “some hatred cannot be negotiated”, the FBI has revealed. The crime-fighting agency’s director, Kash Patel, who faces a Senate grilling later today over his handling of the investigation, revealed what may be the motive that drove 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Speaking to Fox News, Patel said: “I will say what was found in terms of information, a text message exchange, where the suspect specifically stated he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was gonna do that.” The head of the bureau added that when Robinson was questioned why he would kill the conservative influencer, he responded: “Some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”
Robinson will appear in court today – where he’s set to be formally charged for Kirk’s death.
The investigation, according to Patel, has featured witness interviews between both the FBI and local and regional law enforcement, where they found Robinson “essentially admitted” to killing Kirk.
DNA from the towel that was wrapped around the firearm that was used to kill Kirk was a match for the suspect, the director added. He refused to bow to criticism over the length the investigation was taking saying “information will come out” but insisted he would no “stylise the evidence”.
Patel has come under fire from a batch of right-wing politicians for his handling of the investigation, with alleged assassin Robinson only being arrested days later only when his father turned him into authorities.
Director Patel was already scheduled to appear on Capitol Hill this week before the assassination of Kirk, and he is expected to face a barrage of questions.
The alleged killer’s capture was announced almost 44 hours after Kirk died whilst carrying out one of his trademark incendiary university debates in Utah.
However before flying to the UK for his sstate visit President Donald Trump backed the director saying: “I am very proud of the FBI. Kash—and everyone else— they have done a great job.”
Patel was confirmed by the US Senate to the post of FBI director with a vote of 51 to 49 on February 20 of this year, precisely one month after Trump was inaugurated for a second term.
His time at the agency has been marred in controversy over the agency’s refusal to release all files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Both Patel and Trump previously promised to release the Epstein Files.