Authorities have intensified the manhunt for the suspect responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, 2025. The FBI, alongside local law enforcement, is actively following leads and urging the public to provide any relevant information to aid the investigation.
Newly released surveillance footage and images show a person of interest, described as a college-aged male, fleeing the scene shortly after the attack. The suspect was seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt adorned with a U.S. flag and eagle emblem, a baseball cap with a triangle logo, and a backpack. Video captures him running across a rooftop before disappearing into a nearby wooded area, underscoring the urgency of locating him.
Investigators have also recovered a high-powered Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel, in the woods near the crime scene. The rifle contained one spent cartridge and three live rounds, suggesting it was the weapon used in the shooting. Forensic teams are conducting a detailed analysis to determine the firearm’s origin and any potential links to the suspect.
Despite receiving over 7,000 public tips—the largest volume of leads since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing—authorities have not yet identified or located the perpetrator. Two individuals initially detained have since been cleared of involvement. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, though officials treat it as a targeted attack against Kirk.
In a bid to accelerate the investigation, the FBI has announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any tips, emphasizing that “no tip is too small” in helping bring justice.
The manhunt highlights concerns about security at public events, particularly for high-profile political figures. The attack has reignited national debate over the safety of public debates, rallies, and campus events in a climate of increasing political polarization. Security experts suggest that enhanced planning and real-time monitoring are essential to prevent future tragedies.
For the UVU community and beyond, the investigation is a chilling reminder of how quickly safety can be disrupted and how far-reaching the consequences of political violence can be. Students, faculty, and local residents remain on edge, reflecting on the sudden loss of a controversial figure and the broader implications for civil discourse in the United States.
As law enforcement continues to follow leads and analyze evidence, the public’s assistance is crucial. The combined efforts of authorities, witnesses, and community members are pivotal in ensuring the suspect is apprehended and held accountable. The search for Charlie Kirk’s assassin remains active, with nationwide attention focused on bringing resolution to this tragic event.
