The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced on Thursday that they have recovered what they believe is the weapon used in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and obtained clear video footage of the suspected shooter, as a manhunt enters its second day following the shocking killing at Utah Valley University.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed during a morning press conference that authorities recovered “what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday’s shooting.” It is a high-powered bolt-action rifle found “in a wooded area where the shooter had fled.” The weapon has been sent to the FBI laboratory for analysis.
Kirk was shot and killed during an event on the college campus in what law enforcement believes was a targeted attack. The 30-year-old Turning Point USA founder was shot near the neck and killed while seated during a live Q&A session at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
In a significant development, investigators confirmed they have “good video” of the suspected shooter, though authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity despite being pressed on the matter during Thursday’s briefing. The suspect is believed to be college-aged, according to federal officials.
FBI officials said footprints were also discovered in the wooded area where the rifle was found, which are currently being analyzed. Sources with knowledge of the investigation report that “a range of phrases related to cultural issues were found scrawled on a rifle and ammunition found in the woods,” which authorities are analyzing as part of their investigation.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when FBI Director Kash Patel announced that a person of interest in the case had been released from custody following interrogation with law enforcement. No details were provided about why the individual was released or what information, if any, was obtained during questioning.
The assassination occurred while Kirk was discussing mass shootings in the U.S. at Utah Valley University when a shot rang out, striking him in the neck. The moment Kirk was shot was captured on video from multiple angles. Officials report the shooter jumped from a building and fled off campus into a neighborhood following the attack.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with President Donald Trump announcing he would present Kirk with a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. The incident has also prompted renewed calls for action against political violence from across the political spectrum.
As the manhunt continues, federal authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the FBI immediately. The suspect remains at large and should be considered extremely dangerous.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a live campus event at Utah Valley University. The FBI has recovered the suspected murder weapon—a high-powered rifle with political messaging scrawled on it—and obtained clear video footage of the college-aged shooter, but the suspect remains at large and extremely dangerous.
