OREM, Utah (PulseWire) — A palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered rifle discovered in a wooded area have become key pieces of evidence as authorities plead for public assistance in locating the individual responsible for the assassination of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The incident, which occurred during a speech at Utah Valley University, saw Kirk shot from a rooftop before the perpetrator vanished.
According to federal and state officials, the investigation has received over 7,000 tips, yet no suspect has been identified nor a motive established for the shooting, raising concerns about a rising trend of political violence in the nation.
We need the public's help to capture this individual, emphasized Utah Governor Spencer Cox during a Thursday news conference, supported by FBI Director Kash Patel.
The authorities released several images and a video of a suspect described to be wearing a long-sleeve black shirt, a backpack, sunglasses, and a hat. Initial arrests made shortly after the shooting revealed that those individuals were not connected to the crime.
Other evidence includes a Mauser .30-caliber rifle found concealed in a towel, which contained a spent cartridge in its chamber and three additional rounds in its magazine. This weapon is currently undergoing analysis at a federal lab. In an urgent appeal, officials are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, as discussions of pursuing the death penalty surface.
The shocking events unfolded as Kirk spoke about gun violence, prompting immediate panic among attendees. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as students barricaded classrooms to protect themselves, while bystanders expressed their distress and fear following the violent act.
Kirk's assassination has generated substantial discourse on the political climate in the U.S., leading to a unified response against violence from both sides of the political spectrum, including remarks from President Trump who offered to honor Kirk posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Details regarding Kirk's funeral and further memorials continue to emerge as the investigation unfolds.
As the search continues, the public's role and insights remain pivotal in apprehending the individual responsible for this tragic incident.
