Authorities investigating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have recovered a high-powered Mauser .30 caliber bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack. The weapon was found hidden in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, close to the suspected escape route of the shooter. Loaded with ammunition and partially disassembled, the rifle is now being analyzed at a federal lab for forensic clues that may help identify the shooter and uncover the motive behind the killing.
The attack took place on September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was addressing a crowd on campus. As he fielded questions on social issues, including gun violence, a sniper concealed on a rooftop fired a single shot, striking him in the neck. Kirk collapsed moments later and was declared dead. The FBI, which is leading the investigation, believes the suspect escaped by jumping from the roof and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood. Surveillance footage shows a figure running across the rooftop before making his way off campus.
Officials describe the suspect as likely being of college age and blending in with the university community prior to the attack. The area surrounding the university, including nearby woods where the rifle was found, has been secured as investigators comb through additional evidence. Two individuals detained earlier in connection with the shooting were later released after authorities determined they had no involvement.
The FBI has released images of a person of interest wearing a hat, sunglasses, and dark clothing and is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
The assassination has drawn national attention and widespread condemnation. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Charlie Kirk, has paid tribute to the slain activist, announcing that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife plan to visit Kirk’s family in Salt Lake City, highlighting the deep personal and political ties that Kirk maintained within conservative circles.
The governor of Utah pledged to ensure the shooter is held accountable, citing the state’s death penalty statutes. The attack has also prompted bipartisan expressions of grief and concern. Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a survivor of gun violence, extended condolences to Kirk’s family, while youth organizations across the political spectrum decried the act and called for efforts to counter rising political extremism.
The assassination comes amid a disturbing rise in politically motivated attacks across the country. Recent incidents include shootings of public officials, arson attacks, and threats targeting both Democratic and Republican figures. Kirk’s murder has intensified fears about the increasing polarization and weaponization of political discourse.
The university has closed its campus until September 15, and security has been bolstered as investigators continue to trace the shooter’s movements. Helicopters patrol the area, and officers are canvassing neighborhoods for leads.
As the investigation unfolds, officials remain focused on uncovering who orchestrated the attack and why. The recovered rifle, now under forensic examination, is expected to be central to identifying the suspect and determining whether the shooting was part of a larger extremist plot or the act of a lone attacker. Authorities have reiterated the importance of safeguarding democratic dialogue while preventing further violence from erupting.
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