The hunt for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University is in full swing, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) leading the charge. In a major development, the FBI has announced a reward of up to $100,000 for any information that leads to the suspect’s arrest. They have also released new video and images of a “person of interest,” believed to be the shooter, in an effort to solicit public assistance.
The assassination, which occurred during a speaking event on Wednesday, has shocked the nation and led to a rapid-fire investigation. Authorities have been able to piece together some details of the crime, including the weapon used and a possible escape route. According to the FBI, they have recovered what they believe is the murder weapon—a high-powered, bolt-action rifle—from a wooded area near the university campus. The latest footage shows a figure, believed to be the shooter, jumping off a rooftop and fleeing into the woods after the single shot was fired. In addition to the recovered rifle, investigators have collected a shoeprint, a forearm impression, and a palm print from the crime scene.
The individual of interest is described as a male who appears to be of “college age.” FBI officials have urged the public to contact their tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit their website to provide any information they may have.
In a show of support for the victim’s family, American billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has stepped forward with a significant pledge. In a post on X, Ackman announced he will establish a $1 million endowment for Kirk’s family. He specified that he would manage the fund for free, providing the family with an annual 5% of the principal and the ability to access the endowment for emergencies.
The shooting took place during the first stop of Kirk’s “The American Comeback Tour.” He was shot mid-speech while answering a question about transgender mass shooters. Kirk, a 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a close ally of President Donald Trump. His death has been widely condemned by political figures from both sides of the aisle, with many calling for an end to political violence.