Kash Patel demanded local officials release video of Charlie Kirk's assassin 'against all law enforcement recommendations'—it led directly to his capture

FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly demanded that footage of the Charlie Kirk assassination suspect, Tyler Robinson, be released to the public in order to identify the suspect shooter against all recommendations. That footage is what led to Robinson's capture, who has been charged with Kirk's murder.

According to Fox News, Patel, against nearly all recommendations he was getting at the time, demanded that the footage be released to the public as evidence was being gathered. Law enforcement officials said the father of Robinson was able to recognize the suspected shooter from the video that was released, leading to Robinson's arrest.

"Against all law enforcement recommendations, we demanded the video footage and enhanced stills of the suspect be released to the public. Robinson’s father, who ultimately turned him in to authorities, told law enforcement that he recognized his son in that released video," Patel said of the report.

Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday night after his father was able to get him to speak to a minister, who also works with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office as well as the US Marshal's Service. Robinson, when he was confronted by his father, had said that he would rather kill himself than turn himself in.

Just a few hours earlier, Utah Governor Spencer Cox had said in a press conference that authorities needed the help of the public in identifying the suspect, and Patel had played the security footage as local officials stood by. 

Robinson has been charged with Kirk's killing, and allegedly inscribed Antifa phrases on multiple bullet casings that were found at the crime scene. The family also told officers that Robinson had expressed disdain for Kirk previously, claiming that Kirk spread hatred.