The FBI has released surveillance images of a person of interest as the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah ramps up. Authorities say the unidentified suspect fled on foot after firing a single shot from a nearby rooftop, sparking a statewide manhunt.
Federal agents published two images taken from security cameras, showing the person wanted in connection with Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University.
Who is the main suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting?
The suspect, described as “college age”, blended in with the campus crowd before allegedly shooting Kirk as he spoke at a debate on Wednesday.
The FBI’s Denver office said they’ve deployed “evidence response team and other specialty resources” to support the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel, currently en route to Utah, noted, “We have deployed our evidence response team and other specialty resources as part of our response to this incident.”
The FBI is offering up to $US100,000 (about $150,000 AUD) for information leading to the arrest of the shooter.
Kirk was killed by a gunshot to the neck while answering audience questions about gun violence at his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ table at a Utah university.
Witness and Deserter reporter Emma Pitts told The Guardian, “Before he could even answer, we heard a gunshot and we just saw Charlie Kirk’s neck turn to the side and it appeared that he had been shot in the neck. There was blood, immediately a lot of blood.”
Authorities say the shooter used a high-powered, bolt-action rifle and fired from a rooftop some distance away. Two people were briefly detained, but both were released after officials confirmed they weren’t connected to the shooting.
The person of interest wore a black T-shirt featuring a patriotic eagle design, linked to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.
The foundation clarified to The Guardian that the shirt “was mailed as a gift to potential DVNF supporters over the past few years”, and that it has never been sold directly.
The shirt, which is available for purchase on eBay, has the message “Land of the Free” and “Home of the Brave”.
Authorities are reviewing hours of video and searching local neighbourhoods for clues.
The top FBI agent in Salt Lake City, Robert Bohls, emphasised the attack was deliberate. “I can tell you this was a targeted event,” he claimed.
Charlie Kirk was a controversial right-wing commentator and creator who made content speaking about protecting gun laws, conservative politics and was a pro-Trump influencer.
Kirk’s casket is scheduled to be flown to Arizona on Thursday via Air Force Two. Authorities continue working “multiple active crime scenes” across Utah Valley University and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Lead image: X / AP
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