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Charlie Kirk shooting: New pics of 'person of interest’; evidence found on roof – What we know so far
Police said Charlie Kirk shooter appeared to be of “college age” and managed to “blend in” with the student population after the attack.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday local time. The FBI has released new photos of ‘person of interest’ in the shooting and are pursuing multiple leads.
The probe agency also released a new footage of Charlie Kirk's shooting suspect in which he was seen jumping off a rooftop and running away.
The shooting triggered a search for the gunman and widespread condemnation from politicians across party lines. Utah governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination.”
Vice President JD Vance alongside Usha Vance and widow Erika Kirk accompanied Charlie Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two from Salt Lake City to Arizona with sea of supporters waving American flags as they welcomed Kirk home.
New footage, evidence on rooftop
The FBI released a new footage of what the probe agency said showed the Kirk shooting suspect jumping off a rooftop as he fled. Besides, the probe agency also collected evidence like shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print, from the rooftop. “The shooter's weapon and ammunition were recovered from a wooded area near the university,” the FBI said in a post.
A single shot fired
Charlie Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA debate at Utah Valley University when authorities said a single round was fired from a rooftop.
Videos circulating on social media captured Kirk addressing the audience under a white tent. A gunshot rang out, and he was seen reaching to clutch his wound as blood poured from the left side of his neck.
Manhunt on for snipper
The FBI on Thursday released photos of a “person of interest” wearing a hat, sunglasses and a black long-sleeve shirt with American flag emblem etched on it. They later released additional images and urged the community to submit tips. “No tip is too small,” state police said.
Officials added the shooter appeared to be of “college age” and managed to “blend in” with the student population after the attack.
The assailant is believed to have fled by jumping from the roof and escaping in the chaos. Hours after the tragic incident, Police have recovered a rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near campus, along with a spent cartridge and three live rounds in the magazine.
The probe team has also collected a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints that may aid in the search.
Two individuals were briefly detained on Wednesday but released after investigators determined they had no connection to the crime. The university evacuated its campus, canceled classes, and instructed those inside to shelter in place until police cleared the area.
According to a press statement by Utah public safety department, as of now more than 7,000 tips have been submitted.
Bipartisan condemnation of the attack
Lawmakers across the political spectrum condemned the killing. Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. Recalling his close ties with Kirk, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was a “great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom, who interviewed Kirk on his podcast last year, posted on X: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
Charlie Kirk's rise, relation with Trump
Kirk co-founded Turning Point in 2012 at age 18 with William Montgomery, a tea party activist, seeking to promote limited government and low taxes on campuses.
But soon the Turning Point became one of Trump’s strongest youth-based backers, and Kirk personally worked as an aide to Donald Trump Jr. during the 2016 campaign.
With Trump’s rise, Kirk quickly gained visibility on television as a combative cultural commentator. Donations to Turning Point surged, reaching $79.2 million in 2022, and the group expanded to nearly 4,000 campuses, according to a report by Associated Press.
Kirk was also known for controversial remarks. In 2024, during a podcast with Jack Posobiec, he said: “I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified.’”
He also opposed Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday, calling it an “anti-American” decision that reflected “a neo-segregationist view” meant to undermine Independence Day.
Trump said he would speak to Kirk’s family and that the late activist would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
