FBI Releases Photos of Person of Interest in Charlie Kirk Assassination as National Fallout Grows

Federal investigators have released the first images of a person they are calling a “person of interest” in connection to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which occurred during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The FBI’s Salt Lake City office published stills from security footage showing an unidentified individual ascending a stairwell. The person is dressed entirely in black, wearing long sleeves, dark pants, a black hat, and sunglasses. Authorities believe this individual may be connected to the attack and are now calling on the public to assist in identifying them.

Alongside the images, the FBI shared a link to a digital media submission portal where tips, photos, or video footage can be uploaded to assist investigators.

This public appeal comes as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation into what federal and state officials have described as a “targeted, ideological assassination.”

Rifle Recovered Near Scene with Etched Messages

On Thursday, new information surfaced about the weapon used in the attack. A bolt-action rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, was found in a wooded area near the university campus where the shooter is believed to have fled. The weapon, according to law enforcement officials, was wrapped in a towel and had three spent shell casings still inside the chamber.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the recovered cartridges featured carved phrases associated with transgender and anti-fascist ideology. A law enforcement source described the inscriptions as ideologically charged, potentially offering insight into the motive behind the killing. CNN confirmed the existence of the messages, though it referred to them more broadly as “cultural phrases.”

Robert Bohls, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Salt Lake City, confirmed the discovery of the firearm during a press conference Thursday. He emphasized that the rifle is undergoing forensic testing at a federal laboratory to determine additional clues that could help identify the suspect.

Security Footage Tracks Shooter’s Escape

Based on surveillance footage, authorities believe the shooter accessed a rooftop near the student courtyard where Kirk was speaking and fired a single, fatal shot from an elevated position. After the attack, the shooter was seen fleeing the scene on foot, disappearing into a nearby neighborhood. Law enforcement agencies are now scouring the area and reviewing video evidence from local homes and businesses.

“We’re pursuing every lead,” Bohls said. “We’re confident we’ll identify and apprehend the person responsible for this attack.”

Authorities also confirmed that the shooter was dressed entirely in black clothing and wore a hat and sunglasses, likely to obscure their identity. Officials have not yet named any suspects but have emphasized that the individual in the released images is not necessarily the gunman but is “a key figure” in the investigation.

Government Response Intensifies

In the hours following the attack, a wave of reaction has come from top officials across the federal government. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau issued a sharp warning to foreign nationals who have posted online content appearing to celebrate or justify the killing of Kirk.

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau posted on X (formerly Twitter). He added that consular officials have been instructed to take appropriate action against individuals found promoting violent rhetoric, though he did not specify whether that could include revocation of visas or deportation.

The post sparked controversy, as Landau did not clarify which groups were being targeted or the legal framework under which such actions would be taken.

National Leaders Honor Kirk’s Legacy

As investigations continue, tributes to Charlie Kirk have poured in from prominent figures across the country. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored Kirk’s memory during remarks at the Pentagon’s 9/11 memorial ceremony Thursday morning.

“Charlie Kirk, a Christ follower and a proud American, showed sheer courage in everything he did,” Hegseth said. “Like those we lost on 9/11, he will never be forgotten.”

Later in the day, former President Donald Trump addressed the nation during the same memorial event and announced that Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously — the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“Charlie was a giant of his generation,” Trump said. “He was a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions. His voice and message will live on through the movement he helped build.”

Trump said a formal date for the award ceremony would be announced soon and promised a large public turnout in Kirk’s honor.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure among young conservatives and a frequent speaker on college campuses. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the political world, igniting renewed debate about ideological violence, campus safety, and national unity.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact law enforcement immediately.