FBI Director Kash Patel revealed new details about the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying in an appearance on Fox News that the suspect's DNA was found on items near the murder scene and that the alleged shooter said in a text message and a hand-written note that he planned to "take out" the conservative activist.

Federal agents matched 22-year-old Tyler Robinson's DNA to a screwdriver found on a rooftop at Utah Valley University and a towel that was wrapped around the rifle police believe the suspect used to fatally shoot Kirk on Sept. 10, Patel said on "Fox & Friends."

Patel also confirmed the FBI has interviewed Robinson’s live-in partner, who Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said was transitioning from male to female. Cox, a Republican, has urged people not to jump to conclusions over Robinson's possible motive and said more information will be released in charging documents on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

The FBI director, who has faced scrutinty over his handling of the investigation, said law enforcement has also discovered a text message chain in which Robinson allegedly stated an intent to "take out" Kirk.

The bureau learned of a similar hand-written note the suspect allegedly wrote before the shooting and left in his apartment. Patel said the note had been destroyed but that investigators obtained forensic evidence and were able to confirm what it said through the FBI's “aggressive interview posture."

The new information comes as Patel is set to appear before Congress this week and will likely face questions about the highly scrunitized probe. Meanwhile, lawmakers, Trump administration officials and others remembered Kirk in memorials and vigils over the weekend, including a vigil at the Kennedy Center. The tributes will continue on Sept. 15 as Vice President JD Vance planned to host Kirk's podcast.

Alleged gunman had 'obsession with Charlie Kirk,' FBI official says

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Robinson had expressed his intention to commit an act of violence against Kirk before the shooting and said the incident was "clearly an ideologically motivated attack."

"I think it's pretty clear based on the statements of family members, friends and some of the messaging we have on the digital footprints that he clearly had some obsession with Charlie Kirk," Bongino said Sept. 15 on Fox News.

"Charlie Kirk is obviously a conservative commentator. That's no secret, so while I don't want to speak in advance and jeopardize the case, I think it's fairly obvious to everyone out there, and there's no need to parse words with it, that this was clearly an ideologically motivated attack," Bongino added.

FBI officials and the governor of Utah have said Robinson held a "leftist ideology" and had become increasingly political in recent years. Authorities have not provided additional details about Robinson's ideology, but said their claims are based on interviews with those close to Robinson and his online messages.

FBI director to appear before Congress as scrutiny over Kirk probe mounts

FBI Director Kash Patel will appear before members of Congress this week as he faces criticism for his handling of the investigation into Kirk's assassination.

Patel is likely to face questions over the investigation and his leadership at the agency during congressional oversight hearings Tuesday, Sept. 16 and Wednesday, Sept. 17. Much of the criticism against the FBI centers around information released to the public in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

Hours after the killing, Patel took to X to proclaim a "subject" was in custody. The alleged shooter, however, remained at large and wasn't brought into custody until members of his father turned him in.

President Donald Trump over the weekend expressed his support of Patel, saying in an appearance on Fox News that "I'm very proud of the FBI. Kash and everyone else ... have done a great job."

JD Vance to host 'The Charlie Kirk Show' in 'tribute' to close ally

Vice President JD Vance said he will host "The Charlie Kirk Show" on Monday, Sept. 15, as a tribute to his friend and close political ally.

"Tomorrow, I will have the honor of hosting the Charlie Kirk Show. Please join me as I pay tribute to my friend," Vance said on X.

Kirk championed Vance to be Trump's running mate ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Last week, after the assassination, Vance and his wife, Usha, met with Kirk's family in Salt Lake City, Utah, and flew with them on Air Force Two as Kirk's casket was brought home to Arizona.

Utah governor says Robinson was ‘radicalized’

Cox, while speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said Robinson had a “leftist ideology” and was at some point “radicalized."

The governor said while Robinson has not been cooperative, investigators have spoken with his family and his roommate, who Cox described as transitioning from male to female. Cox said the roommate had "no idea that this was happening" and has so far been helpful to the investigation. When asked about whether Robinson’s partner was linked to a potential motive, Cox expressed caution.

“We’re trying to figure it out. I know everybody wants to know exactly why and point the finger. And I totally get that. I do too,” he said on CNN's "State of the Union." “I just want to be careful, as I haven’t read all of the interview transcripts.”

Cox did not detail Robinson's political views in detail, but he offered more information about the time between when Robinson dropped out of college and when he was arrested in connection with the gruesome killing.

The governor said Robinson spent much of his time online playing video games and interacting with people through message boards. He said the suspect was engaged in the "deep, dark internet."

Contributing: Davis Winkie; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charlie Kirk shooting suspect tied to murder scene through DNA, FBI says. Live updates

Reporting by Christopher Cann and Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect