FBI Releases Photo Of Person Of Interest In Charlie Kirk Assassination
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has publicly released two photographs of a new person of interest in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Authorities say the images may help in identifying and apprehending the individual allegedly connected to the killing.
The released images depict a slim male wearing jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt emblazoned with an American flag graphic, dark sunglasses, and a hat. No further identifying marks have yet been confirmed. The FBI announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the person’s identification and arrest.
Investigators, speaking through FBI Salt Lake City, say they have made other forensic progress. Among evidence recovered: a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle,” plus foot, palm, and forearm prints believed to be tied to the crime. Fox News The sniper’s escape route has also been traced, according to Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls.
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On the day of the assassination, witnesses and official dispatch recordings described the suspect as wearing all black—black long gun, tactical helmet, mask, possibly a tactical vest—and jeans. The shot rang out around 12:20 p.m. local time, nearly twenty minutes after Kirk began speaking.
The event was organized by Turning Point USA and held at Utah Valley University in Orem. Approximately 3,000 people attended. Kirk, aged 31 and founder of the conservative activism group, was delivering remarks at the campus when the shooter fired from a building about 200 yards distant. The shooter reportedly accessed a rooftop through a stairwell in a campus structure.
Following the fatal shot, security and law enforcement rushed Kirk from the stage. Videos taken by attendees show chaos: people screaming, running for cover, some capturing movement on a rooftop across from the speaking area. Fox News As of now, the suspect remains at large. Authorities have questioned and released several individuals during the course of their investigation.
Public reaction has been intense. Conservative leaders and media outlets have pressed for swift justice and asked for transparency into how the security arrangements failed. Critics of the university’s event planning have questioned how a shooter could gain access to elevated positions with a high-powered weapon. Some voices argued that the incident reflects rising threats to public speakers and political activists, especially on college campuses.
In statements posted on social media, President Donald Trump expressed sorrow and paid tribute to Kirk, calling him a champion of youth in America. Trump referred to Kirk as “loved and admired by ALL, especially me,” and extended condolences to Kirk’s wife and family.
Law enforcement officials insist that every piece of evidence matters. The recovery of the rifle, the prints, and tracing the escape route all contribute to building a clearer timeline. Investigators are appealing to the public to provide any video footage or images from around the time of the event. The released images of the person of interest are viewed as essential in this effort.
Those who support Kirk’s legacy maintain that his death should reinforce protections for free speech and public appearance. Observers believe that unless law enforcement acts quickly and decisively, the chance for deterrence diminishes. Several conservative commentators have compared the incident to past attacks on public figures, warning that if political violence is not punished severely, it will proliferate.
While much remains unknown—who ordered the assassination, what motive lies behind it, whether accomplices were involved—authorities emphasize that the released photos are an important step. Conservative groups are urging local communities and national law enforcement to prioritize this case until full accountability is achieved.
