Details Emerge on Rifle and Ammunition Used in High-Profile Killing of Conservative Leader; FBI Releases Photos of Person of Interest
The FBI has released new photos of a person of interest in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The FBI Salt Lake City field office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the individual, shown in two photos.
The person is seen wearing black sunglasses, a baseball cap, a long-sleeved black shirt, and jeans.
The manhunt for the shooter is ongoing. Authorities, including the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety, have recovered the high-powered, bolt-action rifle they believe was used in the attack. While two individuals were arrested and briefly detained in the immediate aftermath, both were later released after being determined to have no connection to the shooting.
Investigators said they have “good video footage” of the suspect, who they believe is “college-age” and “blended in” with the crowd before and after the shooting.
Investigators found ammunition engraved with expressions of transgender and antifascist ideology inside the rifle that authorities believe was used in the fatal shooting, according to an internal law-enforcement bulletin and a person familiar with the investigation.
READ: Ammo Found In Charlie Kirk Assassination Engraved With Pro-Trans, Anti-Fascist Ideology: WSJ
The older-model .30 caliber hunting rifle was discovered in the woods near the scene of Wednesday’s shooting, wrapped in a towel with a spent cartridge still in the chamber. There were also three unspent rounds in the magazine, all with wording on them, sources said. Justice Department officials cautioned that the investigation was still in its preliminary stages and that investigators were still examining the ammunition.
Kirk, the founder and CEO of the powerful conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was one of the most influential figures on the right. His organization is active on more than 3,500 college campuses and was credited with playing a prominent role in outreach to young voters. Kirk was also a popular podcaster and a frequent guest on cable news.
The shooting has sparked a renewed national conversation about political violence in the United States. Following the incident, the president ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff. He praised Kirk as a “great and even legendary” figure and later called him a “martyr for truth and freedom.” Democratic leaders also condemned the act.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Utah Valley University campus was evacuated and remains closed as the investigation continues.
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