On Thursday, US investigators released photos and a video of a suspect in the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They’ve located the rifle they believe was used in the politically motivated murder.
Kirk, a 31-year-old author, podcast host, and a close supporter of former President Donald Trump, played a key role in attracting young voters to the Republican Party. He was fatally shot while speaking at a Utah university event, which Trump described as a “heinous assassination.”
While investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive, Trump hinted at understanding the assailant’s motivation, stating, “We’ll let you know about that later,” and noting significant progress in the case.
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The FBI and state authorities detailed that the shooter arrived shortly before the event, a debate led by Kirk titled “Prove Me Wrong,” attended by 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Security footage captured an individual climbing stairs to a rooftop before firing at Kirk. The bullet struck his neck while he was addressing a question on mass shootings, causing the audience to flee in panic.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, who was seen in grainy security images wearing a black top, sunglasses, and a dark baseball cap, with a bald eagle design on the shirt.
Utah officials released clearer photos showing more details of the suspect’s backpack and Converse shoes. A video also depicted the suspect climbing down from the rooftop, leaving DNA evidence behind, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The footage shows the suspect crossing a street into a wooded area where authorities discovered a “high-powered, bolt-action” rifle.
The shooter’s identity remains unknown, but speculation about the killer’s motives has been rampant on social media. Utah Governor Spencer Cox urged public cooperation.
“We cannot do our job without the public’s help right now,” he stated, noting over 7,000 public tips and over 200 interviews conducted by investigators.
FBI Director Kash Patel visited Utah and attended a press briefing with state and federal officials without making a statement.
Top Civilian Honor
Kirk, co-founder and president of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was on a 15-event “American Comeback Tour” across US campuses when he was killed. His murder drew widespread condemnation from various political figures and governments.
Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President JD Vance canceled a trip to New York for the September 11 commemoration to visit Kirk’s family in Utah and accompany them and Kirk’s casket back to Arizona on Air Force Two.
Kirk’s career in conservative politics began in his teens, deeply influenced by his Christian beliefs. Many of his early connections now hold significant roles in the US government and media. Vance, reminiscing about his friendship with Kirk, noted that Kirk’s organizational skills were crucial to their successes. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government,” Vance wrote in a tribute.
