The FBI has released images of a person of interest connected to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth activist organization Turning Point USA, during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The Salt Lake City office of the FBI is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying this individual, sharing two images of the suspect, who was seen wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses in a stairwell.
In addition to the call for identification, the FBI has announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Kirk’s murder.
A press update that was initially scheduled for Thursday afternoon with FBI and state law enforcement officials was postponed due to “rapid developments” in the investigation, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
While the manhunt for the suspect, believed to be college-aged, is ongoing, officials have stated they are working “around the clock” to locate him.
The FBI has recovered what is believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. According to Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls, a high-powered bolt-action rifle was found in a wooded area near the site of the shooting.
Described as an older model Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle wrapped in a towel, investigators noted that the location of the firearm appears to align with the suspect’s escape route.
Additionally, while multiple law enforcement sources have revealed information about the specific ammunition recovered, the cartridge contained markings reflecting what officials labeled as “transgender and anti-fascist” messages. The meaning behind these markings is currently unclear, and authorities are working to decipher their significance, particularly whether they were intended to mislead investigators.
In efforts to track the suspect’s movements, officials have acquired substantial video footage of the individual. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason reported that the suspect arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. on the day of the shooting and proceeded through the stairwells to the roof of a building overlooking the event.
At approximately 12:20 p.m., Kirk was shot with a single bullet while speaking at the outdoor event and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
After the shooting, the suspect maneuvered through the building, jumped down, and fled into a nearby neighborhood. Law enforcement teams are actively canvassing the area, engaging with residents who possess surveillance footage and collecting witness testimonies.
Aside from recovering the firearm, investigators have gathered further evidence including a footwear impression, palm prints, and forearm imprints to assist in the analysis.
Officials have emphasized that the shooting was a targeted attack, pledging to pursue every possible lead in the investigation. “We will not stand for what happened yesterday,” Commissioner Mason stated. “We are pouring every resource we have into this and will track down this individual.”
As the search continues, the FBI is urging members of the public to come forward with any tips or relevant information, images, and videos from the incident.
In the backdrop of the investigation, President Donald Trump and notable conservative figures have connected the tragic shooting to what they describe as the inflammatory political rhetoric of the Democratic party.
In a video shared on social media late Wednesday, Trump remarked, “It’s a long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree.”
He further elaborated on how for years individuals on the radical Left have vilified Americans like Kirk, comparing them to Nazis and various criminals.
Trump stated that such rhetoric fosters terrorism within the country and must be addressed immediately.
Eric Trump, the former president’s son, echoed similar sentiments in an interview, expressing frustration over perceived violence directed primarily at conservatives.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox conveyed his emotions regarding the events, highlighting recent assaults on political figures from both major parties in America.
In his heartfelt message, he reflected, “Our nation is broken. We’ve had political assassinations recently in Minnesota. We had an attempted assassination on the governor of Pennsylvania. And we had an attempted assassination on a presidential candidate and former president of the United States. Nothing I say can unite us as a country.”
Charlie Kirk, aged 31 and a father of two, was a trusted advisor to Trump and a major figure in the conservative youth movement, founding Turning Point USA at just 18 years old.
His recent event at Utah Valley University included a segment designed for debate and engagement where attendees could challenge his views.
However, prior to Kirk’s visit, concerns arose on campus leading to an online petition from students urging the university’s administration to cancel the event.
Despite the controversy surrounding his presence, police reported they had received no credible threats regarding the event before the shooting occurred. Over 3,000 individuals attended the gathering, patrolled by six police officers and Kirk’s security personnel.
The university has announced it will remain closed until September 14 following the incident.
Currently, authorities are focusing their investigation solely on one suspect. They have generated significant evidence that suggests no other individuals were involved in the incident.
“I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this, we will find you. We will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Governor Cox emphasized during a press briefing after the shooting, labeling the act a “political assassination.”
Initially, two people were detained following the shooting but were later released. The first was charged with obstruction by campus police, while the second was released after being interrogated.
Utah authorities confirmed that neither person has any ties to the shooting.
In response to the tragedy, President Trump ordered the lowering of all American flags to half-staff until Sunday evening in honor of Charlie Kirk.
Additionally, Trump announced that Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, referencing him as a
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