A manhunt is underway in Utah after conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The 31-year-old, a close ally of Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, was addressing a crowd of nearly 3,000 students as part of his American Comeback Tour when he was struck by a single sniper shot, reported USA Today.
According to the outlet, authorities believe the killing was a targeted political assassination. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the attack “an assault on democracy,” and vowed to catch the perpetrator. Cox was quoted as saying that the suspect will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Also read: Did people steal hats at UVU after Charlie Kirk shooting? Viral video sparks outrage; ‘Unbelievable’
Charlie Kirk shooting: Rifle recovered, suspect still at large
At a press conference on Thursday, FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed that investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the crime scene. The weapon is believed to be the same one used in the attack. Investigators also found a footwear impression and a forearm imprint.
Bohls said the FBI has received more than 130 tips and is “exhausting every resource” to track the suspect. He was quoted in a CBS report as saying that any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the foundation of American democracy.
{{/usCountry}}Bohls said the FBI has received more than 130 tips and is “exhausting every resource” to track the suspect. He was quoted in a CBS report as saying that any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the foundation of American democracy.
{{/usCountry}}Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason revealed that the suspect appears to be “college-age” and blended easily into the campus environment.
Charlie Kirk shooting: Timeline of the events
The investigators determined that the shooter was on the campus at 11:52 am local time on Wednesday, making his way through the stairwells, before watching from a rooftop above Kirk’s event. He fired a single fatal shot shortly after noon and then fled in a direction across the building and into a nearby neighborhood.
The police have "good video" and images of the suspect, but they are holding off releasing them for now to prevent jeopardizing the investigation, another CBS report stated.
Shock and political blowback
Kirk’s death has created a fierce backlash across the political spectrum. President Trump paid tribute to Kirk, calling him "a warrior for the American people." Members of Congress in both parties condemned the shooting while expressing a profound concern for the continued escalation of political violence.
Officials said Kirk’s family have been "devastated" by the tragedy. His body has been transported to the state medical examiner’s office, with the process of returning his corpse to the family well underway, according to the BBC.
FAQs:
Q: Who was Charlie Kirk?
A: Charlie Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization. He was 31 years old at the time of his death.
Q: What do we know about the suspect?
A: Authorities say the suspect appears to be of college age, blended into the campus environment, and remains at large.
Q: What weapon was used?
A: Investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used in the attack.
Q: Was this politically motivated?
A: Officials describe the shooting as a targeted event. Utah’s governor referred to it as a political assassination.
Q: Is the public at risk?
A: The FBI says there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the wider community.