FBI shares images of ‘person of interest’ in Charlie Kirk shooting

Salt Lake City: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released photos of a ‘person of interest’ and appealed for tips to help solve the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters.

The FBI posted the images on X (formerly known as Twitter). The photos show the person of interest in a black long-sleeve T-shirt featuring an American flag, an eagle and the words “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.”

The unidentified suspect is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot, authorities said Thursday. A high-powered, bolt-action rifle they believe was used in the attack was recovered, and video recordings of the person they believe was responsible are being reviewed.

Kirk’s assassination renews attention to escalating threats of political violence in the United States that cut across the ideological spectrum. His killing is drawing bipartisan condemnation, but a national reckoning over ways to prevent political grievances from manifesting as deadly violence appears elusive.

“We cannot do our job without the public’s help,” said Gov. Spencer Cox, adding that the FBI had received more than 7,000 leads and tips. Cox said they want to “catch this assassin and hold him accountable.”

The governor said Utah would be prepared to seek the death penalty once an arrest was made.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason narrated surveillance video showing the person sought in connection with the shooting running across a roof, climbing off the edge of the roof and dropping to the ground.

Mason said the person left some palm impressions, smudges and a shoe imprint. Officials hope to collect DNA.

AP