FBI Releases Images of Person of Interest, Offers $100,000 Reward as Manhunt for Killer Intensifies
The investigation into the assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk saw “rapid developments” on Thursday, prompting Utah officials to abruptly postpone a scheduled press conference and signaling a major shift in the ongoing manhunt.
Less than an hour before the planned event, the Utah Department of Public Safety canceled the briefing, citing significant new information. The announcement came as the FBI released images of a person of interest and offered a substantial $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
READ: Rep. AOC Places Blame On Second Amendment Supporters For Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
The photos, which the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office shared with the public, show a person in a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved black shirt. Federal agents are urging anyone who recognizes the individual to contact them immediately.
Kirk, 31, was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University. A single bullet struck him in the neck, and he died at the scene despite frantic efforts by his security team. The killing has been described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” and has sent shockwaves through the political world.
READ: 5 HBCU Campuses On High Alert Following Wave Of Terror Threats
In a press conference earlier in the day, authorities confirmed they had recovered what they believe is the murder weapon—a high-powered, bolt-action rifle—in a wooded area near the campus. The rifle was found along what investigators suspect was the killer’s escape route, but the identity of the shooter remains unknown.
The manhunt for the assassin is now in its second day. While two men were briefly detained and questioned shortly after the shooting, investigators have since confirmed they are not suspects and have released them. The focus has now turned to identifying the person captured in the newly released images.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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