Washington DC, September 12 (HS): The FBI will brief the nation tonight as the manhunt grips Utah and beyond for the gunman who fatally shot conservative activist and Trump ally Charlie Kirk at a university campus. FBI Director Kash Patel, joined by Utah Governor Spencer Cox and senior law enforcement officials, is due to address reporters at 19:30 local time (02:30 BST).
Massive Search Underway
More than 42,000 people tuned in live as authorities released fresh images of a “person of interest” tied to Wednesday’s assassination-style shooting at Utah Valley University. Officials described the suspect as wearing jeans, a jumper, a cap, and sunglasses. Law enforcement sources say they now have the name of the individual but have not yet disclosed it publicly.
Police have confirmed that a high-powered rifle was recovered in nearby woods, believed to be the weapon used. The attack, described as a potential “political assassination” by Governor Cox, has sparked nationwide outrage.
The Utah Department of Public Safety disclosed that the suspect was able to gain rooftop access easily before opening fire. Security footage shows he fired a single deadly shot from approximately 175 yards, then leapt from the rooftop to a grassy area before escaping through a car park into surrounding woods. Officials believe the shooter “appears to be of college age” and blended in easily with on-campus students.
Trump Responds with Forceful Pledge
President Donald Trump, who initially appeared subdued in the aftermath, later raised his tone in a combative South Lawn briefing. He confirmed that he had spoken to Kirk’s widow, Erika, calling her “absolutely devastated.” Trump vowed that the killer would be “dealt with appropriately” and warned that “radical left lunatics” threaten America’s safety.
In a symbolic tribute, Trump announced that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing him as “a great man, an advocate of non-violence, and a loyal friend.”
“This is a very dark moment for America,” Trump said, urging calm but reassuring supporters that “progress is being made” in the investigation.
Casket Returns Home
On Thursday, Kirk’s body was flown aboard Air Force Two from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, Arizona, with Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha accompanying Kirk’s widow Erika on the solemn journey. Emotional scenes unfolded as the casket was placed on a platform under heavy security. Vance joined mourners, later calling Kirk’s death “a devastating loss to the conservative family and the nation.”
Vigils have been held in Utah and Arizona, including a public gathering at the Utah State Capitol where hundreds lit candles and prayed. A moment of silence was disrupted by shouting, underscoring the raw political tension surrounding the assassination.
Digital Platforms and Public Appeal
Meanwhile, TikTok confirmed that it is proactively removing videos of the assassination that were recorded by shocked onlookers and spread online within minutes. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest, saying more than 200 tips have been received so far.
Law enforcement continues to trace the suspect’s path, releasing multiple surveillance stills and warning that he may still be armed. Officials appealed for public assistance, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
A Brief on the Incident
Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice closely allied with Donald Trump’s political movement, was shot dead on Wednesday at Utah Valley University while addressing students. The assassin, believed to be a lone gunman, fired a precision shot from a rooftop, then fled into nearby woods. Despite rapid response from armed police units, the suspect managed to escape.
The motive remains unclear, though Utah’s governor has already characterized it as a “political assassination.” As the nation mourns, tonight’s FBI press briefing is expected to provide the clearest indication yet of where the investigation stands.
About Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk was a prominent American right-wing political activist, author, and media personality. He co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA) in 2012 at the age of 18 and served as its executive director. Kirk was also the CEO of Turning Point Action and a member of the Council for National Policy. He was closely aligned with former President Donald Trump and became one of the leading voices of the populist MAGA movement.
Born in 1993 and raised in the Chicago suburbs, Kirk was active in politics from a young age. He briefly attended Harper College but dropped out to focus full-time on political activism. Kirk built Turning Point USA into a well-funded nationwide conservative youth movement, mobilizing young voters on campuses with initiatives like the Professor Watchlist and School Board Watchlist. His organization grew to over 850 college chapters, exerting significant influence in Republican circles.
Kirk was known for his sharp conservative commentary on issues including gun rights, abortion, LGBTQ rights, and Christian nationalism. He hosted a popular podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and was credited with mobilizing youth votes for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Kirk was married to Erika and had two children.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
