Charlie Kirk Murder: FBI Recovers Rifle, Hunts For ‘College-Aged’ Suspect
The FBI on Thursday announced a significant breakthrough in the hunt for the killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, confirming that the bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the political assassination has been recovered. The development comes as investigators revealed they are searching for a suspect who appears to be college-aged and was captured on clear video footage.
Kirk, 31, a close ally of President Donald Trump and a powerful voice in mobilizing young Republican voters, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The brazen attack, which Utah Governor Spencer Cox has labeled a political assassination, was recorded in disturbing detail and quickly spread across social media.
Utah officials stated that the shooter moved across a rooftop to get into a firing position before making their escape into a nearby neighborhood. Investigators say they have clear video of the suspect, who they believe is of college age and was able to blend in with the campus environment.
While the high-powered rifle is now in FBI custody for analysis, along with footprints and other evidence from the scene, authorities emphasized that they are heavily relying on public assistance to track down the perpetrator.
The shooting occurred in front of an audience of roughly 3,000 people during Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” event. The Utah Department of Public Safety has vowed to bring the person responsible to justice as the nationwide manhunt intensifies.
