The FBI has released images of a person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as the manhunt for his killer entered its second day Thursday. Federal agents admitted they have still not identified the gunman who shot dead the 31-year-old influencer at Utah Valley University, despite recovering a high-powered rifle in nearby woods.
Kirk was gunned down Wednesday whilst addressing a packed hall of students at Utah Valley University. A bullet struck him in the neck during his speech, sending the crowd into panic and chaos. Despite frantic efforts from staff and security personnel to save him, the conservative firebrand died at the scene.
The FBI and local police have issued an urgent appeal to the public for help as they hunt the shooter who carried out the assassination. The release of the person of interest images marks the first significant development in the investigation since authorities recovered the weapon used in the attack.
Federal agents confirmed earlier that they discovered a high-powered rifle in the woods following the shooting. The weapon, previously identified as a .30 calibre bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel, contained three unspent rounds in its magazine and bullets engraved with transgender and antifascist ideology, according to earlier reports.
The assassination occurred as Kirk was delivering a speech on mass shootings involving transgender gunmen, creating a chilling connection between the topic of his address and the manner of his death. The 31-year-old was a prominent figure in conservative circles, known for his outspoken views on political and social issues.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, two men were briefly taken into custody as the venue was locked down and law enforcement swarmed the area. However, investigators later confirmed that neither man was a suspect in the assassination and both were subsequently released.
The manhunt has expanded beyond Utah, with law enforcement agencies from neighbouring states joining the search effort. The FBI has taken the lead in what is being treated as a potential act of domestic terrorism, coordinating resources across multiple jurisdictions.
Students who witnessed the assassination are being interviewed by federal agents as investigators piece together the sequence of events. Security footage from the university campus and surrounding areas is being analysed for any clues about the shooter’s identity or escape route.
The release of the person of interest images represents a crucial development in the investigation. Authorities hope that public assistance will help identify the individual and potentially lead to a breakthrough in the case. The FBI has not disclosed where or when the images were captured.
Utah Valley University remains under heightened security as the investigation continues. The venue where Kirk was speaking has been sealed off as a crime scene, with forensic teams conducting detailed examinations of the area.
The assassination has sent shockwaves through the American political landscape, particularly given the ideological nature of the attack suggested by the engraved bullets. The fact that Kirk was discussing politically charged topics at the time of his death has added another layer of significance to the case.
Security experts are reviewing protocols for political speaking events at educational institutions, as questions mount about how the shooter was able to carry out the attack. Kirk’s appearance at the university had been publicly announced in advance, potentially providing the assassin with time to plan.
The conservative activist’s death at just 31 years old has prompted tributes from supporters and condemnation of political violence from across the political spectrum. However, the revelations about the engraved bullets have intensified debates about ideological extremism and its role in the attack.
As the second day of the manhunt progresses, pressure is mounting on law enforcement to apprehend the shooter. The FBI’s decision to release images of a person of interest suggests investigators are pursuing concrete leads, though they acknowledge the suspect’s identity remains unknown.
The case has drawn comparisons to other politically motivated attacks in recent years, though the use of ideologically engraved ammunition sets this assassination apart. Experts suggest this detail indicates a desire by the shooter to make a statement beyond the act of violence itself.
Federal agents continue to urge anyone with information about the shooting or the person of interest to come forward immediately. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities warning that the suspect should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
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