Trump Praises FBI Director Kash Patel for Swift Capture of Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assailant
In a striking display of praise for federal law enforcement, President Trump has expressed his deep admiration for the FBI’s handling of the Charlie Kirk shooting case. Speaking exclusively with Fox News Digital, Trump commended FBI Director Kash Patel and the bureau for their extraordinary efficiency in apprehending the suspected assailant. “I am very proud of the FBI,” Trump remarked. “Kash—and everyone else—they have done a great job.” This public recognition comes after the remarkably swift 33-hour manhunt that led to the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in Washington, Utah, following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University.
The investigation’s timeline reveals a methodical approach by the suspect prior to the shooting. According to FBI officials, Robinson was spotted conducting what appeared to be reconnaissance on the university campus on September 10, the day of the incident, between 8:28 and 9:34 a.m. Later that day, at 11:52 a.m., he returned and made his way to the roof of the Losee building via an exterior stairway. By 12:22 p.m., Robinson had positioned himself at the highest point of the roof, and just one minute later, allegedly fired the shot that struck Kirk. The suspect then quickly lowered himself from the roof, dropped to the ground, and within two minutes of the shooting had fled into a nearby wooded area, where investigators would later recover the weapon—a Mauser 30.06 rifle.
What stands out in this investigation is the hands-on approach taken by FBI Director Kash Patel, who arrived at the scene around 5:30 p.m. local time on September 11. Sources close to the investigation described how Patel personally walked through the entire crime scene, standing where Kirk was shot and retracing each step the suspect had taken. This included climbing to the rooftop where Robinson had allegedly positioned himself and following the escape route into the wooded area where the gun was discovered. This level of personal involvement from an FBI Director is notably unusual in such investigations, with Patel taking a direct role in evidence collection and processing decisions.
Perhaps most crucial to the swift resolution was Patel’s directive regarding evidence handling. According to law enforcement sources, the FBI Director personally ordered that evidence be loaded onto planes and sent directly to FBI laboratories for immediate processing, rather than following the typical, more time-consuming shipping procedures. “The DNA was being analyzed through the night because the director was there and he was directing all of this,” a source told Fox News Digital. “He directed everyone and said ‘You’re going to get the evidence out now.'” This expedited approach ensured that forensic analysis was conducted with unprecedented speed, with evidence traveling back and forth between Utah and Quantico rapidly. “The evidence was getting back to the labs in rapid-speed. That’s why he was caught so quickly,” the source added.
Another pivotal decision came when Patel, reportedly against recommendations from others involved in the case, insisted that video footage of the suspect be released to the public. This unconventional choice proved instrumental in the investigation’s successful conclusion. According to sources familiar with the case, it was Robinson’s own father who recognized his son in the released footage and made the difficult decision to contact authorities, ultimately leading to the suspect’s capture. This crucial tip from a family member highlights the effectiveness of public engagement in manhunts, even as it undoubtedly represents a heart-wrenching moment for the Robinson family.
The swift resolution of this high-profile case demonstrates the potential effectiveness of law enforcement when operating with clear direction and streamlined processes. While the shooting itself represents a disturbing attempt on the life of a public figure, the response showcases how rapid coordination between federal and local authorities, coupled with decisive leadership, can lead to quick results in even the most challenging investigations. As the case against Tyler Robinson proceeds through the justice system, the unprecedented speed of his capture—just 33 hours after the shooting—stands as a testament to what modern law enforcement can accomplish when operating at peak efficiency, regardless of political affiliations or the identity of the victim.
