The FBI has confirmed that ammunition recovered from the scene of Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting carried ideological messages linked to transgender and anti-fascist beliefs. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, three spent cartridges were discovered alongside a bolt-action rifle abandoned near Utah Valley University, where Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a public event on Wednesday.
The rifle, wrapped in a towel, is currently under forensic examination at the FBI lab. CNN corroborated the existence of the markings, describing them as “scrawled with cultural phrases.” Robert Bohls, head of the FBI’s Salt Lake City office, confirmed that the weapon had been recovered and noted that the shooter fled into a nearby residential area immediately after the attack. Authorities continue to investigate the scene and gather additional evidence.
Officials believe the shooter to be a college-aged individual who accessed the roof of a campus building before firing at Kirk from a distance. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect dressed in dark clothing, ascending a stairwell to the roof, discharging the weapon, and fleeing on foot. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching the surrounding neighborhood to locate the individual and prevent further danger.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the bureau’s commitment to capturing the suspect and urged the public to provide any relevant photos, videos, or tips that might aid the investigation. Patel stressed that collaboration with local and state authorities is ongoing, highlighting the seriousness with which the FBI is treating the case.
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason described the shooting as a “targeted attack” covering a “very large area,” indicating careful planning by the assailant. The coordinated response from law enforcement reflects the complexity of the situation and the priority placed on public safety, given the high-profile nature of the victim and the symbolic elements discovered on the ammunition.
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the attack in an online video, blaming “radical Left” rhetoric for inciting violence against conservatives. The shooting has reignited debates over political discourse, extremist messaging, and the role of ideology in motivating violent acts. As investigators continue their search, the case remains a stark reminder of the intersection between political polarization, targeted violence, and the urgent need for vigilance and public cooperation in ongoing criminal investigations.
