Right Wing activist Charlie Kirk shot dead, FBI on hunt, releases suspect picture urges public for help to identify
By Anjali Sharma
NEW YORK – The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Thursday released the photograph of the “person of interest” in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and close aide of US President Donald Trump.
According to law enforcement officials the investigators have recovered the “high-powered, bolt-action” rifile used in the assassination of Kirk.
FBI Salt Lake City said in a post on X along with the photograph of the suspect said “We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University”.
Media reported that in the photo, a young man is seen walking up a staircase.
He is wearing a black long-sleeved t-shirt with an American flag logo printed on it, dark jeans and white sneakers.
Suspect is also wearing a cap and black glasses in an apparent bid to conceal his identity.
The assailant who killed Kirk remained at large even as authorities said they have tracked his movements.
The rifile was recovered from a wooded area where the Kirk’s shooter had reportedly fled after the incident.
According to media reports phrases related to cultural issues were scrawled on the rifle and the ammunition but it was not clear if they pointed put towards the motive.
Authorities recovered a screwdriver near the rifle which indicates that the killer might have disassembled and reassembled the rifle before the assassination.
The investigators described the shooter as a male of college age and said they have managed to find a “good video” of him.
Trump has announced Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, for Kirk.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said during an event at Pentagon to mark the 9/11 attack anniversary.
He stated, “I have no doubt Charlie’s voice and courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Trump shared a video message, paid tributes to his longtime ally.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.”
Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck as he spoke at a Utah Valley University event.
