Breakthrough in hunt for 'college age' suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting

September 11, 2025

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunman who fatally shot conservative influencer Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Investigators have released security camera images of a "college age" person of interest and recovered the suspected weapon, a Mauser . 30-06 bolt action rifle, along with physical evidence including a palm print.

Who is affected

Charlie Kirk (deceased) and his family (wife Erika, one-year-old son, and three-year-old daughter)
Students and attendees at Utah Valley University
The conservative community and followers of Turning Point USA
Local community in Orem, Utah
People who had to leave belongings behind when fleeing the scene

What action is being taken

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunman
Investigators are tracking the suspect's movements on campus
Security camera images of a "person of interest" have been released
Authorities have recovered the suspected weapon, a palm print, and a "footwear impression"
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are retrieving Kirk's coffin to return it to Arizona

Why it matters

The shooting represents what Utah's governor called a "political assassination" of a prominent conservative figure
Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a major conservative youth political organization with significant influence
The incident occurred at a university campus during a public event with approximately 3,000 people present
The attack happened while Kirk was specifically discussing gun violence in America
President Trump has announced his intention to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom

What's next

President Trump intends to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Trump plans to call Kirk's family
Kirk's body will be transported back to his Arizona hometown on Air Force Two

Read full article from source: BBC