In brief
In the heart of Orem, Utah, the investigation surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk continues with authorities appealing for public assistance. A palm print, shoe impression, and a Mauser rifle recovered from the surrounding woods are among the pivotal clues as national outrage grows in the wake of this shocking act of political violence. With over 7,000 tips submitted but no suspects identified yet, officials are increasing their efforts and offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
OREM, Utah (AP) — A palm print. A shoe impression. And a high-powered rifle found in a wooded area. Those are among the clues authorities laid out as they pleaded for the public’s help to find the person who assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk before dropping from a Utah university campus roof and vanishing.
The search continued early Friday, nearly two days later.
Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday released a series of photos and a video of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk was hit as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.
More than 7,000 leads and tips have poured in, officials said. But authorities have yet to name a suspect or cite a motive in the killing, the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.
Gov. Spencer Cox said during a Thursday evening news conference, “We cannot do our job without the public’s help.”
The direct appeals for public support included new photos of a person in a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve black shirt, and a backpack, indicating law enforcement struggles also involved. Two individuals taken into custody shortly after the shooting were confirmed to have no connections to the incident.
Among the clues is a Mauser .30-caliber, bolt-action rifle found in a towel in the woods. A spent cartridge was recovered, and three other rounds were loaded in its magazine, according to information shared with The Associated Press.
Officials are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Cox stated he would be prepared to seek the death penalty.
Grisly Video Shared Online
The shooting occurred in broad daylight and was captured in videos that spread on social media. The video shows Kirk, an ally of President Trump, addressing the audience with a handheld microphone when suddenly a shot rings out. Kirk reaches up with his right hand as blood flows from his neck, stunning spectators. The shooter allegedly blended into the crowd, escaping with a “college-age” appearance.
Trump condemned the violence and announced plans to award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President JD Vance and his wife visited Kirk’s family, emphasizing Kirk's impact on their administration.
Kirk Was Taking Questions About Gun Violence
Kirk was a conservative provocateur and a powerful political force among young Republicans, known for provoking debate on social issues, including gun violence. This could be the motive behind the assault.
Attendees of the event barricaded themselves in classrooms following the gunfire. Meanwhile, Kirk’s casket was transported aboard Air Force Two to Phoenix, where his political youth organization, Turning Point USA, is based. Trump plans to attend Kirk’s funeral, although details are yet to be disclosed.
On campus, the canopy featuring Kirk's slogan “PROVE ME WRONG” remained set but in disarray. Concern was palpable among local residents with the shooter still at large.
Swift bipartisan condemnation followed the attack, signaling a rising distress over political violence in the U.S.
