OREM, Utah (AP) — The individual responsible for the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who then disappeared from a rooftop and into nearby woods, remained unidentified more than 24 hours later. Federal authorities have released photos of the person they believe is responsible and are asking for the public’s help in locating them.
Investigators have gathered evidence, including a palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered hunting rifle found in the woods along the path the shooter took. However, no suspect has been named, and the motive for the crime has not been determined. Authorities are treating the incident as part of the recent wave of political violence affecting the U.S.
The photos released show a person wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeve black shirt. A reward of \$100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest. Two individuals who were detained shortly after the shooting at Utah Valley University were later released, prompting officials to pursue a new lead regarding a separate person of interest.
Among the evidence found was a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle, discovered wrapped in a towel in the woods. A spent cartridge was retrieved from the chamber, and three other rounds were loaded in the magazine. The weapon is being analyzed at a federal lab.
The shooting took place in broad daylight while Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative politics and an ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking at a Turning Point USA event on the university campus. The moment was captured on video, showing Kirk as he was struck by the bullet and collapsed while blood poured from his neck. Spectators screamed and ran as chaos unfolded.
The shooter, believed to be in their twenties, fired from a rooftop before fleeing the scene. Robert Bohls, an FBI agent in Salt Lake City, confirmed that the attack appeared to be targeted.
Both President Trump and Democratic officials condemned the attack. Trump announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, while Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha visited Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City. Vance shared a tribute to their friendship, acknowledging Kirk’s significant influence in the administration’s success.
Kirk’s body will be transported on Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, where his organization, Turning Point USA, is headquartered. Trump plans to attend the funeral, though details are still pending.
Kirk, who often engaged in debates on social issues at university campuses, had been discussing gun violence when the shooting occurred. His event was part of his “American Comeback Tour,” which had already sparked controversy on campus, with some students petitioning to bar him from appearing. Despite the opposition, the university defended Kirk’s right to free speech and intellectual inquiry.
Just before the attack, Kirk was answering questions from the audience when the shot rang out. As some students fled, others barricaded themselves in classrooms, using whatever objects they could find to protect themselves.
Madison Lattin, an attendee, recalled the terrifying moment she saw Kirk injured. “Blood is falling and dripping down, and you’re just so scared, not just for him but for your own safety,” she said.
On campus, the display bearing Kirk’s slogan “PROVE ME WRONG” was left in disarray. Local residents expressed concern, with Kathleen Murphy noting that she had been staying indoors, worried about the shooter still being at large.
The shooting has prompted reactions from officials across the political spectrum, with many decrying the rising political violence affecting public figures from all sides.
Former Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was herself a victim of political violence, expressed her sorrow, offering condolences to Kirk’s family.
