Charlie Kirk: FBI releases photos of person of interest, high-powered bolt-action rifle found in woods
The FBI has released images of a person of interest in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent MAGA campaigner and right-wing commentator, as they offer a huge reward for information leading to the gunman’s arrest.
Kirk, 31, was attending a rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (local time) when he was struck by a bullet in the neck shortly after midday.
The Salt Lake City FBI has now called upon members of the public to help identify a person of interest in connection to the fatal shooting who is pictured wearing jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt that appears to have an American flag on the front, black sunglasses, a cap, and carrying a backpack.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the FBI branch wrote on X.
It comes as police found a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a nearby wooded area, which they believe was used to kill the conservative activist.
They are also examining that along with palm prints and footprints for clues. But the killer, whom the FBI have described as “college-aged”, remains at large.
FBI and state officials said the killer arrived on the campus a few minutes before the event began, a talk by Kirk titled “Prove Me Wrong” outdoors in front of about 3000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 65km south of Salt Lake City.
Security-camera videos show an armed individual ascending stairwells to get onto a roof before firing at Kirk, the officials told a news conference.
Kirk, a staunch defender of gun rights, was answering an audience question about mass shootings when the bullet struck his neck, prompting audience members to flee in panic.
The shooter jumped off the roof and fled into an adjoining neighbourhood, Robert Bohls, the FBI special agent in charge, told reporters.
On Thursday, with classes cancelled, the roof of the building on the otherwise deserted campus and the nearby woods were strung with yellow tape as investigators scoured them for evidence.
The shooter appears to have “blended in well” on the campus, Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason told reporters.
“The FBI is offering a reward of up to $US100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk,” the bureau said.
The shooter may have engraved messages related to transgender and anti-fascist ideology on their ammunition, the Wall Street Journal reported, but people familiar with the investigation told Reuters they were still being analysed and it was too soon to draw conclusions.
Mr Trump said on Thursday he would posthumously award Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a later date.
The United States’ highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is awarded by presidents to people who have made significant contributions in a variety of areas, including culture and public service.
- With AP, Reuters, DPA
