The FBI has shared photos of the suspected gunman who shot and killed influencer Charlie Kirk yesterday. The FBI previously reported finding the weapon and footprints in a wooded area. The perpetrator has not yet been identified and remains at large. A $100,000 reward is being offered to anyone with helpful information.
The FBI states that several breakthroughs were made after last night's investigation."We were able to track the shooter's movements. Around 11:52 a.m., the suspect arrived near the campus and then moved onto the grounds. His route was via the stairwells to the roof, where he moved to the location of the shooting," he said during a press briefing.
After the incident, he was followed as he jumped from the other side of the building and fled into a nearby residential area. Our investigators thoroughly canvassed those neighborhoods, interviewed residents, and contacted anyone who might have information, such as witnesses and doorbell camera owners.
There is good video footage of the suspect available, but it is not being released at this time."We are using various technologies to determine the person's identity. If that is not possible, we will contact the media to ask the public for assistance with identification."
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"We are confident we can quickly identify the perpetrator," the FBI said.
Weapon and footprints found
The FBI also says the rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had retreated, and the FBI lab will thoroughly analyze the weapon system. Investigators have also collected shoe prints, a palm print, and forearm prints for forensic analysis.
Special Agent Robert Bohls emphasized that while many questions remain about the shooter's motive, all tips are being fully investigated. As of this morning (US time), more than 130 tips have been received, and the FBI thanks the community for their cooperation. All available FBI resources are being deployed and will continue to be deployed throughout the investigation.
The FBI has released photos of the suspected perpetrator
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In the photos he can be seen in the stairwell
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The man is wearing a t-shirt with an American flag and an eagle
Currently, nothing is known about the perpetrator's identity or motive. According to the FBI, it appears to be a young man, but they have no further information."He was a good mingler among the young students," the FBI said.
Shortly after the shooting, police arrested two people but later released them because, according to authorities, they were"not linked" to the shooting. Police continue to search for the perpetrator with all their might.
The FBI believes the shooter had knowledge of the incident. The shot was reportedly fired from a building about 450 feet (130 meters) from the campus. Only one shot was fired, and it hit the target. Images of a person, possibly a shooter, on a nearby rooftop are also circulating on social media. CCTV footage also shows the perpetrator wearing black clothing.
The campus remains in lockdown for now, but authorities do not believe the shooter is still there."Heavily armed police units are now going door to door as part of the manhunt," said BBC correspondent Regan Morris.
Shot in the neck
When the shot was fired, Charlie Kirk was answering a public question about gun violence. He was then taken to the hospital in critical condition. Video shows him being struck in the neck by a single bullet.
US President Trump later announced on his social media platform TruthSocial that Kirk had passed away.
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Social media footage shows Kirk arriving and being hit in the neck, followed by panic
"The great, even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead," Trump wrote."No one understood American youth better than Charlie."
In a four-minute video, Trump expressed his grief and anger from his Oval Office."Kirk is a martyr for truth and freedom," he said.
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“Radical left rhetoric is directly responsible for this terrorism,” says President Trump
The victim was not only a confidant of Trump, but also a personal friend of the Trump family.
The president also expressed his condolences to Kirk's wife and two children. They witnessed the tragedy, as they were also present at the event at Utah Valley University.
Trump calls for all flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the late Charlie Kirk. He points to"radical left-wing political violence." Utah Governor Cox calls it a political assassination.
“Murder and violence are the tragic consequences of demonizing those you disagree with,” Trump continued.
He promises action:"My government will pursue all those who contributed to this atrocity and other political violence, including the organizations that fund and support them."
Trump and Kirk a few years ago.
Who is Charlie Kirk? Kirk is an American conservative commentator and activist. He is the founder of Turning Point USA, an organization that promotes conservative ideology among young people, particularly at universities. He regularly goes viral on social media with striking statements about abortion and the place of women in society.
Influential figure in American politics
Charlie Kirk's death has had a profound impact on Washington, says VRT NWS correspondent Thomas De Graeve."He's not a politician, but he knew almost everyone in the White House."
"Despite his young age, Kirk has been around for a long time. At 19, he founded the think tank Turning Point USA. This movement is now active in more than 3,000 universities and colleges in the US," De Graeve explains.
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"It is yet another case of political violence in the US," says Thomas De Graeve
Kirk also made a significant contribution to Trump's re-election. The American president is grateful to him for this. Research shows that many young men voted for Trump after being influenced by Kirk.
