What information do we have regarding the shooting death of Charlie Kirk so far?

The Greek Courier

Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally and rightwing activist, has been shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Here’s what we know so far:

Kirk, the executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was shot around 12:10 PM local time while attending an event. Social media videos show him being hit while speaking beneath a tent, as students on campus fled in response to the gunfire.

FBI offers reward for information in Charlie Kirk shooting

The FBI is offering a reward of up to a staggering $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or people responsible in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Photos of a "person of interest" in the shooting of Charlie Kirk were released on Thursday by the FBI as the search for the shooter continues.

The FBI images depict a man wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap, and a black long-sleeve shirt.

Authorities recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a nearby wooded area. Unverified reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that ammunition found with the rifle bore engravings related to transgender and antifascist ideologies. The FBI has not commented on these details.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason stated that video footage is being analyzed. The suspect, described as appearing "of college age," was seen on video arriving on campus at 11:52 AM, moving through stairwells and onto the roof, where the shooting occurred. He was later observed jumping off the building to escape.

Investigators have not determined how far the suspect may have traveled since the shooting. The FBI is appealing to the public for information and has shared images of the individual, asking for help in identifying him.

The single bullet struck Kirk around 12:20 PM, as he was responding to an audience question about mass shootings involving transgender individuals. The crowd of approximately 3,000 attendees reacted with shock, ducking for cover as Kirk was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed that the shooting was a "targeted event." The FBI is also reviewing video evidence and examining palm and forearm imprints, as well as a footwear impression linked to the suspect.

Authorities have urged the public not to harass two individuals who were detained shortly after the shooting but later released. One, an older man, faced obstruction charges, while the second individual was also cleared of involvement.

Utah Valley University has closed its campus until Monday, canceling all classes until further notice.

Kirk was hosting a student-sponsored event as part of his "American Comeback Tour" with his organization, Turning Point USA, when he was shot. The event had received mixed reactions on campus, with an online petition seeking to bar him from speaking garnering nearly 1,000 signatures. The university had previously reaffirmed its commitment to free speech.

Reactions

• On Thursday, Donald Trump announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a Pentagon ceremony commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
• Political leaders across the U.S. quickly condemned the attack. Former President Joe Biden tweeted, "There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones."
• Barack Obama also spoke out against political violence, stating on X, "We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children."
• Both senior Democrats and Republicans condemned the shooting. Prominent figures such as Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harris, Chuck Schumer, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the call for justice, while JD Vance, Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and Pete Hegseth honored Kirk and urged the public to pray for him.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "Political violence has become all too common in American society. This is not who we are. It violates the core principles of our country."

Three historically black colleges and universities were targeted with threats

Virginia State University and Alabama State University have closed their campuses, while Hampton State University has cancelled all classes until 12 September, and advised students living off-campus to enter school grounds.

None of the universities provided further details of the threats in their statements.

State Department vows to 'take action' against 'foreigners' they deem to be praising Charlie Kirk's assassination

In a post on X, the deputy secretary of state Chris Landau has said that he’s directed consular officials to “undertake appropriate action” against any “foreigners who glorify violence and hatred”.

He added that he’s “been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light” of Kirk’s assassination.

Notably, Landau said consular officials would also be monitoring his post to crowdsource submissions from users who see posts that aren’t in line with the department’s views.