Federal authorities say they have recovered the weapon used in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The FBI also disclosed that investigators now have images of the suspected gunman and are piecing together his movements before and after the attack.

Rifle recovered with markings

At a Thursday briefing, FBI officials said a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was found overnight in a wooded area. Footprints were also discovered nearby and are being analyzed.

According to a CNN report, investigators found phrases “related to cultural issues” inscribed on the rifle and ammunition. Among the markings were initials that law enforcement is examining to help identify the shooter.

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Suspect details

While authorities have not released photos or video of the suspect, they confirmed:

• He appeared to be of college age and blended in with the university environment.
• Surveillance tracked him arriving on campus at 11:52 a.m. Wednesday.
• He moved through stairwells to a rooftop, from which the fatal shot was fired.
• Afterward, he fled by jumping from the building and escaping into a nearby neighborhood.

“This was a targeted event,” said FBI agent Robert Bohls, emphasizing that Kirk was the intended victim.

Law enforcement response

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators are using multiple leads to track the suspect.

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“We will not stand for what happened yesterday. We are exhausting every lead. We have every officer invested in this, every investigator, every local agency. The outpouring of support from the law enforcement community has been astounding. We are investing everything we have into this, and we will catch this individual.”

Over 130 tips have been submitted to the FBI’s tip line since the shooting, and officials are urging the public to continue sharing information.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk

Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a leading conservative commentator, was shot while speaking at an outdoor event on UVU’s campus. Video footage showed him being struck in the chest or neck area, collapsing as attendees fled in panic. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The attack has stunned conservative circles and prompted President Donald Trump to announce that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him “a giant of his generation.”