The investigation into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk took a significant step forward today, as the FBI announced it had recovered a rifle believed to have been used in the fatal attack. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10 and later died in hospital.
At a press conference this morning, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle had been located in a wooded area near the scene, where authorities believe the shooter fled on foot. Investigators are confident the weapon is connected to the killing.
Key Evidence Discovered
In addition to the firearm, FBI forensic teams recovered what Bohls described as a footwear impression, a palm print, and even a forearm imprint from the surrounding area. These physical clues, now being analyzed, could be critical in tying the rifle to the suspect and confirming his movements immediately after the attack.
The FBI also revealed that it had received more than 130 tips from the public, including photos and video recordings from attendees at the university event where the shooting took place.
Suspect Details Emerging
While officials remain cautious about releasing too much information, Bohls hinted at new developments.
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The shooter is believed to be male and of college age, based on surveillance analysis and witness accounts.
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Investigators have obtained clear video footage of the suspect, though the FBI has not yet made those images public.
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Authorities believe the gunman was able to blend in with the student crowd before and after the attack.
Despite the nature of the crime, Bohls reassured the public that the shooter is “not thought to be a threat to the wider community.”
A Community in Mourning
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason also addressed reporters, confirming that he had personally spoken with Kirk’s family.
“They are devastated. I can only imagine what they’re going through,” Mason said. “This is not Utah. This is not who we are or what we’re known for.”
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old, leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and their two young children. His death has sparked bipartisan condemnation of political violence and widespread tributes across the country.
Security Questions Raised
Roughly 3,000 people attended the Utah Valley University event, according to state officials. Security had been coordinated between the university police department, which assigned six officers to the venue, and Kirk’s private detail.
Following the shooting, the campus was evacuated and remains closed, with all classes canceled until further notice. Students who had not yet left the grounds were instructed to shelter in place until escorted off campus by law enforcement.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The FBI, along with state and local law enforcement, is intensifying its manhunt. Officials say they expect to release suspect images in the coming days and continue to encourage the public to share any recordings or eyewitness accounts.
Authorities emphasized that the recovery of the rifle and prints has given investigators a clearer picture of the suspect’s escape route and identity.
“This case is moving quickly,” one FBI official said. “We are confident the evidence we’ve gathered will help bring the perpetrator to justice.”
A Nation Watching
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves far beyond Utah, prompting urgent conversations about political extremism, gun violence, and campus safety. Leaders across the political spectrum have condemned the killing, with President Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Governor Gavin Newsom all issuing statements of grief and unity.
For Kirk’s supporters, his death is being mourned not just as a personal loss but as a national moment of reckoning.
