Authorities have recovered a high-powered rifle believed to be the weapon used in the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was killed on March 15, 2024, while addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University. Law enforcement officials are focusing their investigation on a suspect described as being of “college age” after obtaining clear footage of the individual.
During a press conference the day after the incident, Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason announced that the suspect’s movements had been tracked prior to the shooting. The individual arrived at the campus at 11:52 AM, approximately thirty minutes before Kirk was shot, and accessed the rooftop via stairwells from which he fired the fatal shot.
Details of the Investigation
Mason indicated that authorities possess quality video footage of the suspect but have opted not to release it at this time. “The subject blended in well with the college institution… That individual appears to be of college age,” he stated, emphasizing that they remain hopeful about identifying the shooter.
Special Agent Robert Bohls from the FBI confirmed that the rifle, identified as a high-powered bolt-action, was located in a nearby wooded area where the suspect fled after the shooting. “We’re doing everything we can to find him. We’re not sure how far he has gone,” Bohls noted, adding that they have images of the suspect to aid in the investigation.
The recovery of the rifle marks a significant development following the initial hours after the shooting, during which only grainy CCTV footage was available. Mason expressed confidence in law enforcement’s ability to track down the suspect, indicating that additional images could be made public if they require further assistance from the community.
Community Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider political landscape, with many expressing their condolences and shock over Kirk’s death. Following the tragic event, various political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have publicly praised Kirk, describing him as “a giant of his generation.”
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with information related to the suspect or the events surrounding the shooting to come forward. Kirk’s advocacy and influence on conservative politics have been widely recognized, and his untimely death is being mourned by supporters across the nation.
