Rifle found, photos released in hunt for Charlie Kirk's killer
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The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of individual(s) responsible for Kirk's murder.
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A police officer walks near the scene of the shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 11, 2025 (AP)
US investigators said Thursday they had recovered the bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the assassination of American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and released images of a “person of interest” as the manhunt intensified.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was speaking under a tent outside the Sorensen Center when he was struck. Videos circulating online showed the moment he collapsed to the ground as the audience looked on in shock.
Authorities said the shooter, described as “college age", had arrived on campus shortly before the event, used stairwells to climb onto a building roof, and fired a single shot before escaping into a nearby neighborhood.
Robert Bohls, the FBI’s special agent in charge, confirmed that investigators later found a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” in nearby woods, along with palm prints and footprints.
Grainy images of suspect released
The FBI circulated security camera images of a person of interest wearing a black top, dark sunglasses, and a baseball cap. Officials said the shooter “blended in well” on the campus before fleeing.
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This undated combination of images provided by the FBI shows a person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah (Federal Bureau of Investigation via AP)
The Wall Street Journal reported that the suspect may have engraved messages on ammunition found at the scene, though investigators said analysis was ongoing.
The FBI has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible.
Trump calls killing 'heinous assassination'
Following Kirk's death, Trump announced that US flags should be flown at half-staff to honor the death of the right-wing activist. Via an executive order, the US president can order all flags in government buildings, offices, public schools, and military bases to fly at half-staff.
"In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.," Trump posted on Truth Social.
In another post announcing his death, Trump hailed Kirk as "great" and "even legendary."
Campus under investigation
Classes at Utah Valley University were canceled on Thursday as police cordoned off the shooting site. Investigators strung yellow tape across rooftops and wooded areas while combing for additional evidence.
Beau Mason, Utah’s public safety commissioner, emphasized that authorities are working urgently to locate the suspect:
“The shooter appears to be of college age and blended in well with the crowd.”
