FBI Releases Photos for Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Shooting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The FBI released photos of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Authorities recovered a high-powered rifle and are analyzing ammunition for clues as the manhunt expands. National leaders condemned the attack, while Trump vowed to honor Kirk with the Medal of Freedom.
FBI Releases Photos of Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Shooting – Quick Looks
- FBI posts two photos of a person of interest on X
- Suspect believed to be college-aged male, fled into neighborhood
- Rifle and ammunition recovered; weapon under forensic analysis
- Students barricaded classrooms during the chaos on campus
- Trump to speak with Kirk’s family, Vance travels to Utah
- Scott Walker vows conservative events will continue despite threats
- Gov. DeSantis warns political violence threatens democracy
- Senator Mike Lee calls Kirk’s death deeply personal
- State Department warns foreigners not to glorify the killing
- Senate Majority Leader Schumer calls violence “an enemy of democracy”
- Investigators analyzing palm print, shoe impression near scene
Deep Look: FBI Releases Photos of Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Assassination
OREM, Utah — Federal investigators have released photos of a person of interest as the nationwide manhunt intensifies for the shooter who assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office published two images Thursday morning, appealing to the public for tips and urging anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
FBI offers $100,000 reward in search for Charlie Kirk’s shooter
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting yesterday of Charlie Kirk.
The FBI announced the reward on X, shortly after the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office released images of a person of interest.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City office said the public can submit tips by dialing 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting this online tips page.
Suspect Fled After Single Fatal Shot
Authorities believe the shooter, described as a male of college age, fired a single round from a rooftop before fleeing into a nearby neighborhood. Investigators have recovered a high-powered Mauser .30 caliber bolt-action rifle, discovered wrapped in a towel along what they believe was the suspect’s escape route.
The rifle’s chamber still contained a spent cartridge, and three additional rounds were found in the magazine. Law enforcement officials are now conducting forensic testing on the weapon and ammunition, including analysis of markings and DNA that could point to the shooter.
Sources say phrases related to cultural issues were found scrawled on the weapon and ammunition. However, investigators have not determined whether the writings indicate a political motive.
Students Barricaded Classrooms
As panic spread through the Utah campus, students and attendees rushed into classrooms for shelter. Witnesses described how improvised barricades were built: desks stacked against doors, tables overturned, and even a pencil sharpener cord tied to a door handle in a desperate attempt to block entry.
By Thursday morning, abandoned backpacks and notebooks still littered the rooms — evidence of how abruptly the tragedy shattered what had been a routine campus day.
Trump and National Leaders Respond
President Donald Trump called the assassination a “dark moment for America” and announced he would speak with Kirk’s family on Thursday. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Utah to meet them in person.
Trump pledged to honor Kirk by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, saying: “Charlie’s voice has become bigger and grander than ever before.”
Conservative Groups Vow to Continue
Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, now head of the Young America’s Foundation, announced that conservative organizations will continue holding campus events despite the shooting. While a scheduled Ben Shapiro appearance in Santa Barbara was canceled out of respect for Kirk’s family, Walker said security measures will be expanded:
“We will not stop. Doing so would mean the assassin wins.”
Leaders Condemn Political Violence
Political figures across the spectrum decried the attack.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized that violence undermines democratic debate: “The viability of a republic depends on battles fought in the proper arena — voting and debate, not killing.”
- Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, a close friend of Kirk’s, said the death hit “particularly hard” as it occurred near his hometown. He described texting with Kirk shortly before the fatal event.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called political violence the “enemy of democracy,” warning against finger-pointing and urging unity. He linked Kirk’s murder to other recent politically motivated killings and attacks.
International and Federal Warnings
The State Department issued an unusual warning to foreign nationals, cautioning that visa applicants or holders could face denial or deportation if they glorify Kirk’s assassination online. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau called such reactions “disgusting” and urged social media users to report offensive posts.
Investigators Pursue Leads
According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, forensic teams are analyzing a palm print and shoe impression discovered near the scene. While photos of the person of interest have been released, authorities said they will not share further suspect images unless public help is needed.
Two individuals initially detained were cleared of involvement and released. Mason noted that both have since faced death threats, which he condemned as unjustified.
A Nation on Edge
Kirk’s assassination has refocused attention on the rise of political violence in America. Analysts warn that attacks have increasingly crossed ideological boundaries, targeting figures on both sides of the spectrum.
Despite bipartisan condemnation, consensus on how to curb this wave of violence remains elusive.
For now, the FBI hopes that releasing photos of the person of interest will provide the breakthrough needed to catch the shooter who turned a campus debate into a national tragedy.
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