The FBI revealed the evidence they uncovered as they continue to search for the man who shot and killed Charlie Kirk at a Utah college campus, Us Weekly can report.
On Thursday, September 11, the FBI held a press conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where agents revealed they found a “footwear impression” along with a palm imprint and a forearm imprint. They believe these items could help identify the killer.
The FBI also found a “high-powered bolt-action rifle” in a “wooded area” where they believe the shooter fled. Sources told The New York Times that bullets were also recovered. Tests were done on the bullets and weapon but it has not turned up any person of interest as of yet.
Beau Mason, the commissioner of Utah’s Department of Public Safety, said the suspect “appears to be of college age.”
Officials said the gunman was on a roof during Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University for an event for his conservative group Turning Point. They said the suspect arrived at the school at 11:52 a.m.
Kirk was speaking to a crowd when he was shot in the neck. In social media videos, the audience appears shocked for a brief moment before chaos ensues as people run for safety.
Conservative Commentator Charlie Kirk Dead at 31 After Utah Shooting
Law enforcement briefly detained one man at the scene, but he was released a short time later. Hours after Kirk’s death, The FBI director, Kash Patel, said via X that “the subject for the horrific shooting today” had been taken into custody.
A couple of hours later, Patel, 45, wrote, “The subject in custody has been released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
President Donald Trump wrote a tribute to Kirk on Truth Social. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump said. “He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
Vice President JD Vance wrote his own note about Kirk. “Charlie Kirk was a true friend. The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him,” Vance said.
Charlie Kirk’s Wife Erika Shared Bible Verse Hours Before His Death
Former President Barack Obama spoke out about the shooting. He tweeted, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “deeply disturbed” by the shooting.
Charlie Kirk’s Final Words Included Debate on Gun Violence
She said, “Doug [her husband] and I send our prayers to Charlie Kirk and his family. Let me be clear: Political violence has no place in America. I condemn this act, and we all must work together to ensure this does not lead to more violence.”
Kirk, who was 31, is survived by wife Erika Lane Frantzve. They shared two children.
