FBI Releases Images of Person of Interest in Fatal Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

FBI Releases Images of Person of Interest in Fatal Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

OREM, Utah — The FBI has released surveillance images of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The targeted attack, described by authorities as a “political assassination,” has sparked widespread condemnation and intensified concerns about political violence in the United States. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible.

The Incident

Charlie Kirk was addressing a crowd of over 3,000 people, primarily college students, at an outdoor amphitheater on the Utah Valley University campus as part of Turning Point USA’s campus tour. The event, held under a tent, was underway when a single gunshot rang out around noon local time. The bullet, fired from a high-powered bolt-action rifle, struck Kirk in the neck, killing him instantly. Authorities confirmed the shooter operated from a rooftop approximately 130-200 yards away, accessed via a campus stairwell, before fleeing into a nearby wooded area and residential neighborhood.

Utah Valley University, located in Orem, has been closed through September 14, 2025, as law enforcement continues to investigate. The university, known for its liberal-leaning student body, had no specific credible threats reported prior to the event, according to local police. Security at the event included six police officers and Kirk’s private security detail, but the attack’s precision suggests premeditation.

Evidence and Investigation

The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office is leading the investigation, supported by the Utah Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement. Key evidence recovered includes:

• The Weapon: A high-powered bolt-action rifle found in the wooded area where the suspect fled. A preliminary report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) noted that ammunition recovered at the scene may be engraved with messages referencing transgender and anti-fascist ideology, though officials caution this is unconfirmed pending further analysis.
• Physical Evidence: A footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprint were collected from the rooftop and are being analyzed by the FBI’s forensic laboratory.
• Surveillance Footage: The FBI released two grainy images from a campus stairwell showing a person of interest described as appearing college-aged, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt (possibly with an American flag graphic), dark pants, a baseball cap, and dark sunglasses. The individual blended seamlessly with the campus environment, complicating identification efforts.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls emphasized the gravity of the attack, stating, “Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the foundation of our democracy. We will pursue every lead relentlessly.” The agency has received over 130 tips since the shooting and is actively canvassing for additional video footage from the area. Authorities have urged the public to submit any photos, videos, or information directly to the FBI to avoid misinformation and harassment of innocent individuals.

Two individuals were briefly detained in the hours following the shooting but were released after being cleared. One was charged with obstruction of justice for unrelated reasons. FBI Director Kash Patel initially announced a “subject” in custody but later clarified the release, underscoring the agency’s commitment to transparency as the investigation unfolds.

The Suspect and Manhunt

The person of interest captured in the surveillance images remains at large, prompting a nationwide manhunt. The FBI has not identified the individual through facial recognition technology, suggesting they may have taken steps to obscure their identity. The suspect’s movements were tracked from their arrival on campus at approximately 11:52 a.m. to their escape after jumping from the rooftop. Law enforcement is confident that additional footage and public tips will narrow the search.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the responsible individual(s). Tips can be submitted via:

• Phone: 1-800-CALL-FBI
• Online: tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/f4507712a3b2893

Political and Public Response

The shooting has elicited bipartisan condemnation and renewed calls to address political violence. President Donald Trump described Kirk as a “truly Great American Patriot” instrumental in mobilizing young conservatives for the MAGA movement, calling the attack a “heinous act.” Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled it a “dark moment for America” and urged unity, stating, “We must come together to reject violence as a means of settling differences.” Democratic leaders, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to end targeted attacks amid a rise in political extremism.

Online, the incident has fueled intense debate, with some conservative commentators pointing to ideological motives based on unconfirmed reports about the ammunition engravings. Misinformation, including AI-generated claims that Kirk survived, has also spread rapidly on platforms like X. Authorities have cautioned against sharing unverified information, urging the public to rely on official updates from the FBI and Utah Public Safety channels.

Context and Broader Implications

Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative media, was known for his outspoken views and leadership of Turning Point USA, an organization focused on engaging young people in conservative activism. His campus events often drew protests, but the scale and precision of this attack mark a significant escalation in political violence. The incident follows a string of high-profile shootings, raising concerns about the safety of public figures and the polarization of American discourse.

Utah Valley University, with a student body of over 40,000, has expressed grief over the incident and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff, and the campus closure aims to ensure safety as the investigation continues.

What’s Next

The FBI and local authorities are intensifying efforts to identify the person of interest, with forensic analysis and public tips expected to play a critical role. The investigation is exploring all possible motives, including political, personal, or ideological factors, though no definitive conclusions have been released. Updates can be monitored through official FBI channels or posts from Utah Public Safety on X.

As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on delivering justice for Charlie Kirk and preventing further acts of violence. The FBI has reiterated its call for public assistance, emphasizing that even small details could prove pivotal in solving the case.

This article is based on information available as of September 11, 2025, at 6:45 PM WAT. For real-time updates, visit official FBI or Utah Public Safety sources.