Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has entered a critical phase, with federal and local authorities ramping up efforts to track down the individual responsible for what officials are calling a “political assassination.”
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon while addressing students at Utah Valley University during a campus event organized by Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization he co-founded in 2012. According to law enforcement, a single shot rang out as Kirk was speaking under a white tent. Eyewitnesses say he clutched his neck and collapsed, prompting immediate panic in the crowd.
Despite rapid intervention from security and medical personnel, Kirk was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later revealed that the gunman had fired from an elevated position, believed to be a nearby rooftop.
The FBI confirmed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered in a wooded area not far from the university. However, the shooter remains unidentified. In a major development Thursday, the FBI released surveillance images of a person of interest connected to the investigation. The individual is seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, a baseball cap, and sunglasses clothing that has made immediate identification difficult.
“We are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls during a press briefing in Salt Lake City. “This person is not currently a suspect, but we believe they may have critical information related to the shooting.”
In connection with the appeal, the FBI has announced a $100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of Kirk’s killer. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Officials had initially detained two men shortly after the shooting, but they were later released without charges. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that no suspects are currently in custody and that the investigation is ongoing. The sudden pace of developments even led Utah officials to postpone a scheduled press conference on Thursday.
“This is a fast-moving situation,” a spokesperson for the governor’s office said. “Our focus remains on supporting law enforcement as they pursue every lead.”
Reaction to the killing has been swift and politically charged. Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly condemned the act, labeling it a “political assassination” and warning that the perpetrator could face the death penalty under state law.
Former President Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally last year, shared his condolences in a social media post shortly after the news broke. “Charlie was a warrior for the truth and a patriot,” Trump wrote. “He was a close friend, and I am devastated by his loss.” The former president also ordered flags at Trump-owned properties to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s memory.
The killing has sent shockwaves through political circles and ignited renewed debates over political violence in the United States. Kirk, a polarizing figure, had long been a vocal advocate for conservative values and frequently drew both intense support and fierce opposition at public appearances.
With the shooter still at large, security has been heightened at political events nationwide. Federal agents are working in coordination with Utah state police and local university authorities as the manhunt continues.
“We will not rest until we find who did this,” said Agent Bohls. “This was a deliberate, targeted act. Someone out there knows something.”
Authorities urge anyone who was present at the Utah Valley University event or who may have seen anything suspicious in the area to come forward immediately.
