Federal investigators say they have recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the assassination of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.
During a Thursday morning press conference, Robert Bohls, the FBI special agent in charge, confirmed that agents discovered a “high-powered bolt-action rifle” in a wooded area near the campus. “This morning, I can tell you that we have recovered what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday’s shooting,” Bohls said, adding that the firearm will undergo forensic analysis.
Alongside the weapon, investigators collected key pieces of evidence, including shoe impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints. Officials say these findings may provide crucial leads in identifying the shooter.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason stated that authorities have obtained clear surveillance footage of the suspect but will not release it publicly at this stage. “If we’re unsuccessful in identifying them immediately, we will reach out for the public’s help and the media’s help,” Mason said. He added that investigators believe the suspect is of college age.
Authorities have mapped the shooter’s movements in detail, tracking him from his arrival on campus at 11:52 a.m. local time through stairwells, onto the rooftop, and across to his firing position. After firing the fatal shot, the suspect reportedly fled by leaping off the building and escaping into a nearby neighborhood.
Law enforcement teams have been canvassing the area, speaking with residents in hopes of generating new leads. “We are confident in our abilities to track that individual,” Mason assured reporters.
The killing of Charlie Kirk, 31, has triggered an intensive manhunt as investigators work around the clock to locate the assassin and bring them into custody.
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