As the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s killer continues into its third day, new developments have emerged, raising questions and concerns among the public. Authorities released a new video during a press conference held on Thursday evening, which showcases a person of interest climbing down from the roof of a building on the campus of Utah Valley University. This location is believed to be where the suspected gunman fired the fatal shot that took Kirk's life.
The FBI has announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible for Kirk's murder. During the press conference, state and federal officials emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting that they are working diligently to locate the person of interest, who is thought to be in college.
On Thursday, Utah authorities released images of the person of interest. In these photos, the suspect is seen on steps, carrying a black backpack and wearing a shirt adorned with an American flag print. Since the onset of the investigation, officials have received over 7,000 tips and leads, along with completing approximately 200 interviews, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
The FBI has also reported the recovery of what is believed to be the weapon used in the tragic shooting. A high-powered bolt action rifle was discovered in a wooded area close to the scene of the crime. Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls identified the firearm as an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle, which was found wrapped in a towel. The location of the gun aligns with the suspected shooter’s path of escape.
Authorities have noted that a spent cartridge was still chambered in the rifle, along with three unspent cartridges that bore markings described by law enforcement as containing transgender and anti-fascist writing. The significance of these markings remains unclear, and investigators are actively working to decipher their meaning and whether they were intended as a diversion.
According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the suspect arrived on the Orem campus at approximately 11:52 a.m. on Wednesday. After navigating through the stairwells to the rooftop of a building near an outdoor event, the shooter fired down at Kirk around 12:20 p.m. Following the shooting, the perpetrator fled the scene by jumping off the building and escaping into a nearby neighborhood.
In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement has been actively engaging with residents in the vicinity, examining doorbell camera footage, and interviewing witnesses to gather leads. Governor Cox made a strong statement during a press briefing, emphasizing, "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.” He described the incident as a political assassination and noted that state officials are prepared to pursue the death penalty should the case go to trial.
