The manhunt for the individual who assassinated conservative political activist Charlie Kirk continues, with the FBI and Utah authorities declaring the shooting a targeted attack. Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, an incident that has since triggered a widespread investigation. At a Thursday morning press conference, federal and local officials shared significant developments, including new details about the suspected shooter and evidence recovered from the scene.
Authorities now describe the suspect as a college-aged male, though his identity remains unknown. A breakthrough came when investigators discovered a firearm believed to be the murder weapon—a high-powered, bolt-action rifle—hidden in a wooded area near the university. In addition to the rifle, officials found a footprint believed to belong to the shooter, adding to the growing list of physical evidence. These findings suggest the shooter planned the attack and attempted to conceal his escape route.
FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls stated that an image of the suspect has been obtained, though he declined to release it immediately, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet,” Bohls told reporters. While he assured the public that there is no immediate danger, he emphasized that the FBI is using “every resource” to track down the individual responsible. More than 130 tips have been submitted as of Monday morning, and the agency is encouraging anyone with video or photos from the scene to come forward.
Despite withholding the suspect’s full image, Bohls suggested it may be released soon. The FBI is actively vetting all leads and analyzing submitted footage, working closely with state law enforcement agencies. Their coordinated effort underscores the seriousness with which this politically motivated killing is being treated.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason also spoke at the press conference, sharing that he had personally contacted Kirk’s widow, Erika, the night of the shooting. He expressed deep sympathy for the family and condemned the assassination as a “heinous” act that does not reflect the values of Utah. “We will not stand for what happened yesterday,” Mason stated firmly.
The investigation remains active, with the shooter still at large. Officials have vowed to pursue every lead and bring the assailant to justice. As the nation watches, the case continues to evolve, with investigators inching closer to identifying and capturing the person responsible for the high-profile assassination.
