The FBI has released photos of a suspect identified as a new person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
As Slay News reported, Kirk was shot and killed during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
The images show a thin male wearing jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt with an American flag graphic, black sunglasses, and a hat.
Rifle Recovered, Escape Route Tracked
FBI Salt Lake City Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said investigators have traced the sniper’s escape route and recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle.”
Authorities also obtained foot, palm, and forearm imprints linked to the shooting.
The update follows confusion on Wednesday when law enforcement announced two separate detentions.
However, both individuals were later released.
Dispatch audio described the shooter as dressed in “all black” and armed with a “black long gun, black tactical helmet, [and] a black mask.”
Authorities believe the killer arrived at the campus around 11:52 a.m., climbed to a rooftop via a stairwell, and fired a single shot about 20 minutes into Kirk’s event, which began at noon.
The gunman then fled down the opposite side of the building into a nearby neighborhood.
Chaos At Utah Valley University
Kirk, 31, a father of two, was struck in the neck and died of his injuries.
Graphic video from the event shows Kirk collapsing as the crowd of thousands screamed and rushed for cover.
Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of strategic and communication management at Utah Valley University, confirmed the timeline.
“At about 12:20, shots were fired from a building about 200 yards from the speaker,” Treanor said.
“To the best of our knowledge, the individual was hit and was taken away immediately by his security personnel.”
The university, which enrolls more than 40,000 students, said about 3,000 people were in attendance.
Organizers noted that many traveled from out of state to hear Kirk speak.
Trump Honors Kirk As ‘Legendary’
President Donald Trump was the first to confirm Kirk’s death, honoring him as one of the most influential conservative voices of his generation.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.
“Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family.
“Charlie, we love you!”
The FBI is continuing to canvas neighborhoods near the university for video evidence as the manhunt for Kirk’s assassin intensifies.
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