A devastating incident unfolded at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while attending an event on campus. The authorities have launched an extensive investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect, with federal law enforcement officials believing they have identified a person of interest.
Investigation Update
The Utah Public Safety Department and the Salt Lake City FBI office have released images of a person of interest, showing an individual wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses. The FBI is seeking the public’s help in identifying this person and is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or people involved in Kirk’s assassination. U.S. Marshals are assisting the FBI in tracking down the suspected shooter, with the FBI remaining the lead investigating agency.
Suspect Description
According to Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the suspect is a male who “blended in” with the college community and appears to be “college-age.” Mason stated that investigators have been able to track the shooter’s movements before and after the assassination, believing the gunman arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. local time and moved through stairwells to the roof of a building near where Kirk’s event was taking place. The shooter then jumped off and fled into a neighborhood off campus, with investigators contacting homeowners with cameras and witnesses to identify leads.
Weapon Recovery
FBI special-agent-in-charge Robert Bohls announced that investigators recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle,” which they believe was the weapon used in the assassination. The rifle was found in a wooded area where the shooter fled and will be analyzed by the FBI. Additionally, investigators have a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints that will be analyzed.
Targeted Attack
Kirk was struck in the neck by a single gunshot while addressing a large crowd at an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate on Utah Valley University’s campus. The “Prove Me Wrong” debate is a trademark event for Kirk’s Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on young people. Authorities believe the shooting was a “targeted attack toward one individual,” with only one shot fired and Kirk being the only victim. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called the shooting “a political assassination,” while President Trump blamed it on “radical left political violence.”
Shooting Location
A map produced by CBS News’ Confirmed team shows where Kirk was when he was shot — in the central courtyard of Utah Valley University, surrounded by campus buildings. A university spokeswoman stated that they believed the shot was fired from the Losee Center, with a law enforcement source telling CBS News that the gunman appeared to have fired from the building’s roof. Video verified by CBS News shows a person running across the building’s roof in the moments after the shooting.
As the investigation continues, the FBI has received over 130 tips, with those tips and other leads being “fully investigated.” The authorities are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect, with the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office establishing a tip submission form for people to share information about the shooting. For the latest updates on this developing story, visit Here
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