FBI Hunts Suspect In Charlie Kirk Killing At Utah University

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University, in an attack authorities describe as a "targeted event." The FBI has released photos of a person of interest, described as a college-aged man wearing dark clothing and a cap, and has recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon from a nearby wooded area. Investigators are analyzing forensic evidence including palm prints and footwear impressions to identify and locate the suspect, who fled the scene after shooting Kirk. Despite initial confusion over an arrest, no suspect is currently in custody, but the FBI remains confident of apprehending the shooter and has offered a reward for information. President Trump publicly mourned Kirk, condemning the attack as a "heinous assassination" and blaming the "radical left" for the violence, while calling Kirk a "martyr for truth and freedom." The killing has heightened concerns over political violence in the United States amid heightened tensions during Trump's presidency.