Introduction to the Incident
OREM, Utah — The FBI released two photos of a person of interest in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters. The shooter, who fired a single shot from a distant roof, remained at large and unidentified on Thursday nearly 24 hours into the investigation.
Investigation and Evidence
The release of photos of a person in a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve black shirt, as well as a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, reflected law enforcement’s urgent appeal for public help in locating the shooter, who vanished after jumping off the roof and fleeing through a wooded area near the Utah university where Kirk was killed in a targeted attack. Investigators were sifting through potential clues, including a palm print and a shoe impression found near the scene, as well as a Mauser .30-caliber bolt-action rifle hidden in a towel in a wooded area near the university campus along what they suspect to be the path the shooter took while fleeing. Besides the spent cartridge recovered in the chamber, three other rounds were loaded in the magazine, according to information circulated among law enforcement and described to The Associated Press. The weapon and ammunition are being forensically analyzed by law enforcement at a federal lab for clues that could help identify the shooter or the motive.
The Attack and Aftermath
The Wednesday afternoon attack, carried out in broad daylight as Kirk spoke about social issues at a Utah Valley University courtyard, was captured on grisly videos circulating on social media. The videos show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone when suddenly a shot rings out. Kirk can be seen reaching up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck. Stunned spectators gasp and scream before people start running away.
Reaction from Authorities and Public Figures
Trump, who was joined by Democrats in condemning the violence, said he would award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were set to visit with Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City. Vance posted a remembrance on X chronicling their friendship, dating back to initial messages in 2017, through Vance’s Senate run and ultimately praying after hearing of the shooting. “So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024, he helped us staff the entire government.” Kirk’s casket was to be flown aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, where his nonprofit political youth organization, Turning Point USA, is based.
Person of Interest
UNSPECIFIED DATE AND LOCATION – SEPTEMBER 11: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This handout image was provided by a third-party organization and may not adhere to Getty Images’ editorial policy.) This handout photo provided by the FBI shows a “person of interest” in the shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” on the campus of Utah Valley University when he was shot in the neck and killed on September 10, 2025. (Photo by FBI Salt Lake City via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776382422
Conclusion
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves across the United States, with law enforcement scrambling to identify the shooter and motive behind the attack. As the investigation continues, the release of photos of a person of interest and a substantial reward for information leading to an arrest underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation. The attack on Kirk, a prominent figure in rallying young Republican voters, has been condemned by leaders across the political spectrum, highlighting the need for unity in the face of violence and the importance of resolving such incidents to ensure public safety and justice.
FAQs
- Q: Who was Charlie Kirk?
A: Charlie Kirk was a political activist and founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting conservative values among young people. - Q: What happened to Charlie Kirk?
A: Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” - Q: Is the shooter identified?
A: As of the last update, the shooter remains at large and unidentified, with the FBI releasing photos of a person of interest and offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. - Q: How is the investigation proceeding?
A: Investigators are analyzing evidence, including a rifle found near the scene, and are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help identify the shooter or the motive behind the attack. - Q: What has been the reaction to Kirk’s death?
A: The death of Charlie Kirk has been met with widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum, with President Trump and Vice President JD Vance among those paying tribute to Kirk and promising to support his family.
