Rifle Found as Police Hunt Charlie Kirk’s Killer in Utah
U.S. investigators announced on Thursday that they had recovered the bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, though the shooter remains at large.
Kirk, 31, a prominent commentator, podcast host, and close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The attack, described by Trump as a “heinous assassination,” was captured on video and quickly spread across social media.
Authorities said the suspect arrived on campus shortly before the event, climbed onto a nearby rooftop, and opened fire as Kirk addressed the crowd of roughly 3,000. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck while he was answering a question about gun violence. Attendees fled in panic as the gunman escaped into a nearby neighborhood.
The FBI confirmed that investigators discovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the campus, along with palm prints and footprints. Officials said the shooter appeared to be of college age and blended in with the crowd before the attack.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. His killing drew widespread condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, as well as statements from foreign governments denouncing political violence. Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasized that the murder represented a direct attack on constitutional freedoms and open debate.
President Trump announced that he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, while Vice President JD Vance canceled a scheduled trip to New York to instead meet with Kirk’s family in Utah. In a tribute, Vance praised Kirk’s role in shaping the Republican Party and staffing the Trump administration.
The shooting marks one of the most significant episodes of U.S. political violence in decades, adding to more than 300 documented politically motivated attacks since 2021. Trump himself has survived two assassination attempts in the past year.
Two individuals were briefly detained after the attack but later released. Investigators continue to analyze video footage and other evidence while urging the public to remain vigilant.
Kirk, married and a father of two, had recently returned from a speaking tour in Asia and was leading his 15-stop “American Comeback Tour” across U.S. campuses. Known for fiery debates on issues like race, immigration, and gun rights, Kirk often drew both support and criticism for his outspoken views.
In a video message from the Oval Office, Trump vowed to hold those responsible accountable, blaming what he described as inflammatory rhetoric from the political left for fueling violence against conservatives.
