The FBI has released new images of a person of interest and recovered a rifle believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
At a Glance
- FBI released photos of a young male suspect linked to the Kirk shooting
- A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered near the campus
- Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing across a rooftop after the attack
- Forensic teams are analyzing palm prints, footprints, and video evidence
FBI Unveils Person of Interest
Federal authorities on Thursday unveiled two photos of a suspect wanted in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The man, described as of college age, was seen wearing sunglasses, a hat, and dark clothing. Officials say the suspect managed to blend in with students before the attack.
Watch now: Officials say rifle used in Charlie Kirk shooting has been recovered
Investigators believe the suspect fired from an elevated position before fleeing the scene. Witness accounts described a figure leaping from a building rooftop and disappearing into a nearby residential area.
Weapon Recovery Intensifies Search
The FBI confirmed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle was located in a wooded area close to the Utah Valley University campus. Forensic experts are conducting tests on the weapon to determine whether it matches the bullet that killed Kirk.
Palm prints, possible footwear impressions, and security footage are being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are cross-referencing digital surveillance with eyewitness reports to track the suspect’s movements before and after the attack.
Officials say the recovery of the rifle could provide the crucial break needed in a case that has gripped national attention. Law enforcement agencies across multiple states have been placed on alert as the manhunt expands.
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
The shooting has intensified debates over political violence, campus security, and firearm access. Utah Valley University officials confirmed that the event had security measures in place, but the sniper-style attack exploited vulnerabilities in the venue layout.
Federal agencies are reviewing potential affiliations of the suspect, though they have not publicly disclosed any ideological motive. The FBI emphasized that the photos released are part of an appeal to the public for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the suspect to come forward immediately.
As the search intensifies, political figures and campus communities remain on edge, with federal officials warning that the suspect is armed, dangerous, and still at large.
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