Salt Lake City,Utah, 12 September (H.S.): The FBI, alongside Utah law enforcement, continues a massive manhunt for the suspected gunman who fatally shot conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10 during a political event at Utah Valley University (UVU). The killing, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a political assassination, has triggered widespread condemnation and a nationwide search for justice.
Authorities released enhanced video and still images showing a person of interest believed to be the lone gunman. The suspect is described as wearing a black long-sleeve shirt emblazoned with an American flag and eagle, jeans, a cap with a triangle logo, sunglasses, and Converse shoes. Surveillance footage captured the suspect running across a rooftop where the fatal shot was fired, then leaping to the ground before fleeing into nearby wooded areas. Police recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in the woods near the campus, believed to be the murder weapon.
Governor Cox urged the public to provide any photo or video material to law enforcement, noting that over 7,000 tips and leads have been received so far—a volume not seen since the Boston Marathon bombing case. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, characterized the killing as a very dark moment for America and expressed condolences to Kirk’s family, promising that the perpetrator would be dealt with appropriately. Kirk’s body was flown under high security to Phoenix, Arizona, where vigils were held amid somber political tensions.
The Utah Department of Public Safety and FBI officials continue exhaustive investigations, including gathering footwear impressions, palm prints, and forearm imprints from the rooftop. They believe the suspect is college-aged and escaped by blending in with students after the shooting. UVU remains closed until September 14, with classes and events suspended for safety and investigation purposes.
This targeted attack on a prominent right-wing activist has sparked concerns over escalated political violence on campuses and nationwide. Authorities emphasize that the suspect remains armed and dangerous and encourage ongoing public cooperation to ensure a swift resolution to this tragic case .
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
