The FBI and Utah officials have released new video footage showing the suspect who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk fleeing the scene.
In the clip, the individual is seen running across a rooftop, believed to be where the fatal shot was fired, before dropping several feet to the ground and escaping.
The suspect was dressed in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a “distinctive” black T-shirt featuring an American flag and eagle.
The FBI has announced a reward of up to US$100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox appealed for public cooperation, noting that investigators had already received more than 7,000 leads and tips.
“We cannot do our job without the public’s help,” Cox said, adding that officials were determined to “catch this assassin and hold him accountable.”
He also confirmed that Utah would be prepared to pursue the death penalty once an arrest is made.
According to the BBC, Kirk’s body has been flown to Arizona, where he lived with his family, on the vice-president’s Air Force Two plane.
Vice-President JD Vance accompanied the coffin along with his wife Usha.
The Shooting at Utah Valley University
Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative student organisation Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a university speaking event in Utah on Wednesday (10 Sept).
The shooting occurred shortly after noon at Utah Valley University (UVU), where Kirk was addressing a crowd under a tent as part of his national “American Comeback Tour.”
Video widely circulated on social media shows him being struck in the neck by a bullet mid-sentence before collapsing.
Panic broke out as attendees screamed and fled while security personnel rushed to his side and evacuated him.
The university later confirmed that a single shot had been fired from a nearby building.
Donald Trump, who shared a close relationship with Kirk, confirmed his death on Truth Social, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me.”
Shortly before the shooting, Kirk had expressed excitement on social media about the UVU event, posting: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”
His tour was scheduled to include 15 university stops, with the next planned at Colorado State University on 18 September.
Kirk rose to prominence in his early 20s as a leading figure in American conservatism, focusing on youth engagement and political commentary.
A close ally of Trump, he became a visible force in campus politics and conservative media.
Speaking at the Pentagon on Thursday morning (11 Sept) during memorial services for the 24th anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, Trump announced that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States.
The date of the ceremony will be announced later.
Turning Point USA Pays Tribute
Turning Point USA expressed its grief in a statement on social media, saying: “Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk.”
The organisation described him as having an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in the power of individuals to make a difference, noting that his energy and drive were awe-inspiring, unmatched, and deeply infectious.
It added that Kirk loved America, its people, its constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good they have done for the world.
“Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old, age shall not weary him.
For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America.”
Across the United States, people gathered on Thursday evening to hold vigils in Kirk’s memory.
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