FBI releases new video of suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder

WashingtonThe FBI is still searching the alleged murderer of the far-right activist and Trumpist figurehead Charlie Kirk during an event yesterday at Utah Valley University. The FBI's Salt Lake City branch released two images of the suspect: a man wearing black clothing, sunglasses, and a cap, whom they described as a "person of interest in connection" with the shooting. Later, they also released a new security camera video showing the man jumping from a rooftop and fleeing after the attack.

Authorities have shared images of the suspect on X and have asked the public for help identifying the individual who, at a distance of about 185 meters, fatally shot Kirk in the neck with a "high-capacity" rifle, according to the initial findings of the investigation. The murder weapon was found in a "wooded area" where they believe the shooter fled.

Aside from the rifle, the FBI has also obtained video footage of the individual, a palm print, a forearm print, and a shoe print. Within 24 hours of the shooting, the FBI had already arrested two suspects in the murder, although they were later released after it was determined they were not the perpetrators. The motive for the crime is still unknown.

During a press conference Thursday morning, Utah Public Safety Chief Beau Manson said authorities were working to identify the suspect using facial technology. Manson noted that the suspect's physical characteristics match those of a "college-aged" man, although the university maintained that the suspect was not one of its students.

Kirk was celebrating the first act of The American Comeback Tour, organized by his platform, Turning Point USA, on the university campus at noon on Wednesday.influencer He founded it in 2012 with another activist from the ultra-conservative Tea Party movement, with the aim of spreading conservative ideology among young people. It was through talks like Wednesday's, called "Prove Me Wrong," that Kirk gained popularity within the MAGA movement, eventually becoming a close ally of Trump. At these events, Kirk would go to campuses to openly debate students or anyone in the audience who wanted to raise an issue with him.

On Wednesday at noon, just before the bullet ended his life, Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings. It was a recurring theme at these events, since the activist had always considered deaths caused by mass shootings as a lesser evil in exchange for guaranteeing the right to bear arms in the United States.

The chilling scene of the murder was captured on dozens of cell phones that were filming the event. In the videos, which have flooded the networks, Kirk is seen talking under the tent and how suddenly the sound of a gunshot crosses the entire campus until it reaches the 31-year-old. As security guards approach theinfluencer, panic spreads across campus and a human avalanche occurs. Minutes after being hospitalized, Kirk died from his wound. Trump himself confirmed this on social media, in a clear sign of his close relationship with theinfluencerThe far-right activist played a key role in the last election in securing youth votes.

Meanwhile, Trump announced during a 9/11 memorial event that he will award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest award a civilian can receive in the US. The date of the ceremony has not yet been announced, but Trump said he has no doubt a "very large crowd" will attend. All US flags have also been ordered to be flown at half-mast, and, according to the Associated Press, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were to fly to Utah to meet with Kirk's widow and family. Air Force Two is expected to be used to transport Kirk's casket to Arizona.