‘WE WILL CATCH HIM’: Investigators Release New Details on Suspected Charlie Kirk Killer, Ask for Public’s Help

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are intensifying their search for the suspected shooter who assassinated conservative political activist Charlie Kirk earlier this week. In a press conference Thursday afternoon, officials delivered a clear message: “We will catch him.”

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Monday, in what authorities are now calling a “highly coordinated and targeted political assassination.” The fatal shot was fired from an elevated position nearly 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the chest and causing instant fatal trauma.

The killing shocked political circles across the country and has ignited a firestorm of national discussion around political violence and security at public events.

New Information Released

On Thursday, the FBI and Utah State Police released new surveillance images and forensic evidence tied to the case. Photos show a “person of interest” fleeing a wooded area minutes after the shooting, wearing dark clothing, a baseball cap, and carrying a large black backpack.

Authorities also revealed the discovery of a bolt-action Mauser rifle wrapped in a towel and hidden in a nearby ravine. In addition to the weapon, investigators found key forensic traces: a palm print on the rifle, an impression of a forearm in the dirt, and distinctive boot prints leading away from the scene.

“We have no doubt this individual planned the attack carefully,” said FBI Special Agent Marcus Reid. “But we also believe someone knows who he is. We’re asking the public — again — to come forward with any information. No tip is too small.”

Thousands of Tips, But No Arrest Yet

Investigators say they have received more than 7,200 tips in the days following the killing, but none have yet led to an arrest. Two individuals were briefly detained near the scene on the night of the shooting but were later cleared.

A $100,000 reward remains in place for any information leading to the capture of the suspect.

“We are working this case 24/7,” said Orem Police Chief Daniel Hernandez. “We will catch him. But we need the public’s help to do it faster.”

Public and Political Reactions

The assassination has drawn bipartisan condemnation. President Biden said in a statement that political violence “has no place in America,” and former President Trump called Kirk “a warrior taken from us too soon.”

Security has since been increased at political events nationwide, particularly at university venues. Several conservative organizations, including Turning Point USA — which Kirk founded — have postponed upcoming rallies out of caution.

What Comes Next

As the search continues, authorities are expanding their investigation across multiple states and are believed to be working with facial recognition and behavioral profiling experts. The possibility of accomplices or ideological motivation is also being examined.

Meanwhile, the nation waits, grieves, and watches — as one of the highest-profile manhunts in recent U.S. history unfolds.

“He planned it,” said Agent Reid. “But we’re planning to find him. And we will.”