FBI Releases Photos in Charlie Kirk Shooting
The Charlie Kirk shooting at Utah Valley University has shocked the nation and prompted an urgent manhunt. Federal investigators released photos of a person of interest as they appealed for the public’s help, offering a $100,000 reward for information.
FBI Investigation into Charlie Kirk Shooting
The FBI revealed that the shooter who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk remained at large more than 24 hours after the incident. Authorities believe the suspect fired a single shot before leaping off a rooftop and fleeing into nearby woods.
Investigators found crucial evidence, including a palm print, a shoe impression, and a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action hunting rifle left behind. The rifle contained one spent cartridge and three loaded rounds, now undergoing federal lab analysis. Despite these clues, law enforcement has yet to name a suspect or establish a motive.
Photos and Reward for Information
Released images show a figure wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeve black shirt. Officials believe the shooter had a college-age appearance, allowing them to blend in with the campus crowd before the attack.
The FBI announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, underscoring the urgency of the case. Two people initially detained were later released, redirecting focus to the newly identified person of interest.
The Attack on Campus
The Charlie Kirk shooting happened in broad daylight during a Turning Point USA event. Kirk, an ally of President Donald Trump and a leading figure among young Republicans, was addressing social issues in a campus courtyard.
Videos circulating online captured the tragic moment. As Kirk spoke into a microphone, a shot rang out, striking his neck. Blood was seen pouring as horrified spectators screamed and fled. FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed the event was “targeted.”
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Political and Public Reactions
The shooting drew swift bipartisan condemnation. Trump, who announced that Kirk will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, said the attack was an assault on democracy. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, traveled to Salt Lake City to comfort Kirk’s family, with Vance calling him a pivotal figure in shaping the administration.
Democratic leaders also expressed grief. Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a shooting survivor, extended condolences to Kirk’s family. “The murder of Charlie Kirk breaks my heart,” she said.
Campus Response and Community Shock
The shooting sparked chaos on campus. Students scrambled into classrooms, barricading doors with tables and even using cords to secure entrances. Witnesses described panic and fear as they watched the aftermath unfold.
University officials defended their decision to host Kirk, citing First Amendment protections. Yet, his appearance had stirred controversy, with petitions circulating to bar him from speaking.
Legacy and Funeral Plans
Charlie Kirk’s casket will be flown aboard Air Force Two to Arizona, home to his youth-focused nonprofit, Turning Point USA. Trump announced plans to attend his funeral, which has yet to be scheduled.
The Charlie Kirk shooting has become a defining moment in America’s ongoing struggle with political violence. For Kirk’s supporters, the tragedy underscored his enduring influence as an organizer, debater, and mobilizer of young conservatives.