Authorities in Utah say they are closing in on the suspected sniper who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. While the suspect remains at large, officials have released key details about his appearance, movements, and the weapon used in what investigators call a “targeted political assassination.”
FBI releases images of person of interest in Charlie Kirk’s shooting
The FBI has released photographs of a person of interest linked to the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, founder of the conservative youth activist group Turning Point USA, during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
In a statement shared on X Thursday, the FBI’s Salt Lake City office appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the individual. The bureau posted two images showing the person wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, including one taken in a stairwell at the venue.
Authorities have announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible for Kirk’s killing.
A joint press briefing by the FBI and Utah law enforcement officials, initially scheduled for Thursday afternoon, was postponed due to what the Utah Department of Public Safety described as “rapid developments” in the ongoing investigation.
What do we know about the suspect?
Law enforcement officials describe the suspected shooter as being of “college age” and someone who “blended in” with students at Utah Valley University, where Kirk, 31, was addressing a Turning Point USA event.
- Authorities tracked the man arriving on campus at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday, moving through stairwells to a rooftop vantage point.
- After firing the fatal shot, the suspect allegedly jumped off the roof and escaped into a nearby neighborhood.
- Officials have not confirmed how far the suspect may have traveled since then.
“This was a targeted event,” said Robert Bohls, the FBI’s top agent in Salt Lake City, stressing that Kirk was deliberately chosen as the victim.
What weapon was used?
A high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the assassination was found in a wooded area near the campus.
CNN and CBS reports indicate:
- The rifle and its ammunition were marked with phrases linked to cultural and ideological issues, including references to “transgender” and “antifascist ideology.”
- Investigators are analyzing these markings and initials carved into the weapon to help identify the shooter.
- Footprints discovered near the rifle are also being examined.
Early arrests and investigation progress
Two people were briefly detained on suspicion of involvement in the shooting but were released after no link was found.
Since then, the FBI has:
- Received over 130 tips from the public.
- Assembled a multi-agency team with state and local law enforcement to track the suspect.
- Expressed confidence in eventually locating the shooter, though they have withheld images to protect the integrity of the investigation.
National response to Kirk’s assassination
Kirk’s killing has shaken conservative circles and drawn strong reactions at the highest levels of government.
- President Donald Trump mourned his longtime ally, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk” and announcing that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.
- Trump also ordered flags across the United States to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening.
- Utah Governor Spencer Cox condemned the assassination, calling it “a tragic day for our nation” and declaring it to be a political killing.
Kirk, who rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, was known for championing Republican and Christian values, energizing young conservatives, and playing a key role in mobilizing youth turnout in Trump’s 2024 victory.
What comes next?
With the suspect still at large, the FBI says every available resource is being used to track him down. Authorities stress the investigation remains highly active and encourage anyone with information to call the FBI tip line.
The assassination of such a high-profile conservative figure has also sparked renewed debate about political violence in the US and the safety of public figures at college campuses, where many advocacy groups host large gatherings.