FBI Probes Possible Accomplices in Assassination of Charlie Kirk

The FBI is expanding its investigation into the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, examining whether the suspect in custody may have received assistance or encouragement from others. Authorities are treating the September 10 killing as potentially ideologically driven, and new evidence suggests the attacker may not have acted entirely alone.

Speaking on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom Monday morning, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed that while one suspect has been arrested, the Bureau is actively looking into the possibility that others may have played a supporting role—either knowingly or through negligence.

“There is an ongoing effort to determine whether the shooter acted alone or had help,” Bongino said. “If there were individuals who aided him in any way—financially, logistically, or by withholding critical information—we are investigating that thoroughly.”

Bongino made it clear that the case remains open and complex. “No stone will be left unturned,” he emphasized, underlining the seriousness with which federal authorities are pursuing leads.

The shooter, whose identity has not yet been released publicly due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation, was apprehended shortly after the attack. Surveillance footage played a key role in the arrest, according to officials. Video from a nearby building captured the moment the suspect leaped from a rooftop following the fatal gunshot, which struck Kirk during a public event in Phoenix, Arizona.

“It’s clear from the video that the shooter had the weapon either concealed in a backpack or directly on his person,” Bongino explained. “That footage, combined with forensic analysis, gave us the breakthrough we needed.”

Investigators were able to recover critical forensic evidence from the rooftop and surrounding area, including fibers, fingerprints, and ballistic residue. According to Bongino, this evidence was “instrumental” in piecing together how the attack was planned and executed.

In addition to the physical evidence, statements from people close to the suspect have raised further concerns. Family members and coworkers told investigators the individual had become increasingly isolated and radicalized in the weeks leading up to the assassination.

“There were warning signs,” Bongino said. “He was becoming more political, more agitated, and more withdrawn. We’re seeing patterns that are sadly common in ideologically motivated violence.”

Authorities say the suspect had allegedly expressed violent intentions prior to the attack—both online and in private conversations. While the specifics of those communications have not yet been released, Bongino confirmed that the suspect had made threats consistent with the nature of the crime.

“In cases like this—targeted killings, political violence, mass shootings—it’s not unusual for the perpetrator to broadcast their intent beforehand,” Bongino said. “That appears to have happened in this case. People may have known what he was planning, and we need to find out who they are and what they knew.”

Charlie Kirk, 31, was a prominent conservative voice and founder of Turning Point USA. His assassination sent shockwaves through political and media circles alike, with tributes pouring in from across the ideological spectrum. The FBI has labeled the killing a “targeted ideological attack,” and officials are now working to determine whether it was part of a broader extremist movement or carried out by a lone actor consumed by radical beliefs.

“We’re looking at every aspect—who he talked to, where he got the weapon, who may have encouraged him,” Bongino said. “Whether it was a coordinated plot or a lone wolf attack inspired by extremist content, we will get to the bottom of it.”

The case has already sparked a wider discussion about the influence of political extremism and online radicalization, particularly among young, disaffected individuals. The suspect, according to those who knew him, had recently changed his behavior—cutting off longtime friends, quitting his job, and spending long hours online.

“This ideology didn’t just influence him—it appears to have consumed him,” Bongino stated. “He was focused on Charlie Kirk, and there’s reason to believe that fixation wasn’t entirely hidden from those around him.”

While legal proceedings are still in the early stages, federal prosecutors are said to be considering additional charges if it’s proven that others played a role in facilitating the crime. For now, the FBI’s top priority is determining the full scope of the attack—and ensuring no one who aided in the act escapes accountability.

As Bongino concluded during his interview, “This was a calculated act of violence, likely fueled by ideology, and possibly supported by others. We will follow the facts wherever they lead.