OREM, Utah (AP) — A palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered rifle found in a wooded area are among the clues authorities have unveiled while seeking public assistance to find the individual responsible for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University before dropping from a campus roof and disappearing.
As of early Friday, the search continues, nearly two days after the incident.
Federal investigators alongside state officials released a series of images and a video of a suspect believed to be responsible for the attack. Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing an audience gathered in a university courtyard.
Despite more than 7,000 tips and leads received by law enforcement so far, officials are yet to disclose a suspect or any clear motive behind this politically charged killing. “We cannot do our job without public assistance; it’s vital to our investigation,” Governor Spencer Cox stated during a press conference with FBI Director Kash Patel.
New, enhanced photos that show the suspect wearing a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve black shirt, and carrying a backpack underscore the efforts of law enforcement as they continue to face challenges in the case, while two individuals arrested shortly after the shooting were cleared of any connections.
Additional evidence revealed includes a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle discovered wrapped in a towel. Law enforcement has recovered a spent cartridge from the weapon, alongside three additional live rounds. This firearm is currently under analysis at a federal laboratory.
Officials have announced a $100,000 reward for any information that may help in capturing the shooter; Governor Cox has expressed a willingness to pursue the death penalty in the event of an arrest.
Graphic Footage Emerges Online
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, was captured on grisly videos that subsequently circulated on social media. In the footage, Kirk can be seen addressing the crowd when a gunshot interrupts, leaving him visibly distressed as blood pours from his neck, eliciting gasps and screams from the audience as chaos ensues.
Investigators have suggested that the shooter managed to blend into the surrounding crowd, being described as potentially having a typical “college-age” appearance. Notably, video footage shows the suspect walking away from the scene through the grass and across a street before losing tracks.
“This was clearly a targeted event,” stated Robert Bohls, the chief FBI agent in Salt Lake City.
In response to the shocking incident, both President Trump and Democratic leaders expressed their disdain for the violence, with Trump announcing his intention to confer the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., to Kirk. Vice President JD Vance also visited Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City, posting a heartfelt tribute to their relationship on social media, emphasizing Kirk's significant contributions to the administration.
Kirk Engaged in Dialogues on Gun Violence
Kirk was a prominent controversial figure among young Republicans, known for promoting heated debates on social issues during events on college campuses. The shooting took place during an event called the 'American Comeback Tour,' which was aimed at addressing contentious topics.
Before the tragic event, Kirk was engaging in a dialogue discussing gun violence, a subject that evidently heightened tensions. The dialogue had sparked dissent amongst some students, with a petition circulating to prohibit him from appearing at the university, garnering nearly 1,000 signatures. The university issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to free speech principles.
Students Barricade Themselves Following Gunshot
After the gunfire, several attendees rushed into classrooms, barricading doors with furniture for safety. Witnesses described the atmosphere as frantic, prompting long-term residents nearby to remain indoors, anxious due to the shooter still being at large. Amid this unsettling time, the political violence stemming from the incident drew quick bipartisan backlash.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain keen on gathering as much information as possible to bring justice to this high-profile case.
