A manhunt is ongoing for the shooter responsible for the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday, now entering its third day.
Authorities released footage on Thursday showing the alleged shooter running across the rooftop of a building at Utah Valley University. At the time, Kirk was participating in a debate about gun reform as part of the “America Comeback Tour.” The suspect was seen at the side of the building, where he could monitor Kirk as he moved through a parking lot and towards a busy street.
The Utah Public Safety Department’s Mason station reported that the man in the video “left an impression of the palm of his hand.”
“We’re working to collect DNA evidence, but there are some smudges in the areas we’re focusing on,” Mason commented at a press conference. “Footprints have also been identified, which appear to suggest the suspect was wearing convergent-style shoes.”
The FBI earlier announced that a powerful bolt-action rifle was discovered in a wooded area near the university, close to where Kirk was killed.
New photos of persons of interest were also released, depicting individuals clad in black long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, and blue jeans, adorned with an eagle and an American flag. Officials mentioned they are analyzing palm prints, forearm traces, and shoe patterns from these individuals.
“We rely heavily on the public’s cooperation,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) stated during a Thursday night press briefing.
The event saw participation from FBI Director Kash Patel, who opted not to address reporters, leaving questions unanswered.
The FBI has set a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest of Kirk’s shooter.
Cox indicated that authorities would seek the death penalty once the suspect is apprehended.
In a television interview, Mason expressed uncertainty regarding whether the shooter was still in Utah, stating, “We don’t know.”
President Trump, who had strong connections with Kirk, noted that “great progress” was reportedly made in the ongoing search.
“We’ll see what happens when we hear they’re making headway,” he remarked to the media.
Earlier on Thursday, Vice President Vance visited Beehive to pay respects to Kirk’s family, later accompanying the remains back to Arizona via Air Force 2.
