Update on Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

The firearm found in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk is a bolt-action rifle, known for its reliability and common use in hunting. However, it requires reloading after each shot, which distinguishes it from semi-automatic weapons.

With bolt-action rifles, the shooter has to manually operate the bolt handle to load another round. This involves lifting, pulling, and pushing a new cartridge into the chamber, a process that subsequently locks the round in place for firing again. Its straightforward and sturdy design keeps it favored among hunters and target shooters alike.

Retired Marine Lt. Col. Hal Kempfer commented on the limitations of such weapons, stating, “You can only take one shot at a time.” He noted that, unlike some firearms, the used cartridges often stay in the chamber, which means investigators might not find shell casings as forensic evidence. He pointed out that this could be a strategic choice for someone aware of how to avoid leaving behind clues.

Authorities announced that they located the rifle in a wooded area where they believe the shooter discarded it while fleeing from law enforcement. Investigators are now working to trace the weapon’s history, trying to determine where it was purchased and how it changed hands, which can be crucial in solving the case. Kempfer suggested that the shooter might have used a “straw buyer” to remain anonymous, yet this will require diligent investigative work to resolve.

Kempfer, drawing from his experience, remarked that executing a fatal shot doesn’t necessarily require sniper-level skills. He mentioned that distance, weather conditions, and the shooter’s position can all play significant roles in the success of such actions, indicating that even regular hunters can make such shots under the right circumstances.