The FBI in Salt Lake City has released the first images of a person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during a public event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The individual is seen walking up a flight of stairs, dressed entirely in black — wearing dark pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a black hat, and sunglasses. Authorities are urging the public to help identify the suspect and have provided a link for digital tip submissions.
A key development in the investigation was the discovery of the murder weapon — a high-powered bolt-action rifle — in a wooded area near the university. The FBI believes the suspect fled to this area following the shooting. According to The Wall Street Journal, the rifle was wrapped in a towel and contained three spent bullet cartridges. Disturbingly, each cartridge reportedly had phrases etched into them expressing transgender and anti-fascist sentiments, adding a potential ideological dimension to the killing.
FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed the discovery of the rifle and emphasized that the investigation is moving swiftly, with numerous tips still being processed. Meanwhile, the rhetoric surrounding the assassination has begun to expand beyond national law enforcement. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X (formerly Twitter) that foreign nationals who praise or trivialize Kirk’s murder online may face “appropriate action.” Although vague about what these measures could entail, Landau stated the U.S. government would protect Americans from “foreigners who glorify violence.”
Tributes to Kirk continue to pour in from high-profile figures. At the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored Kirk as a patriot and a follower of Christ. “Charlie, we love you. Oh, we know that you have heard the Lord’s words. Well done, good and faithful servant,” Hegseth said, drawing a connection between Kirk’s death and the spirit of national sacrifice remembered on 9/11.
During the same event, former President Donald Trump announced that Charlie Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Trump praised Kirk as a “giant of his generation” and a “champion of liberty,” promising a “very big crowd” for the upcoming ceremony. He extended his condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and their children.
The investigation into Kirk’s assassination remains active, with growing public interest in the suspect’s identity and motive. The case continues to unfold amid deep political, ideological, and emotional reverberations nationwide.
