Law enforcement authorities have released photos of a person of interest in the targeted assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, was struck by a single gunshot while participating in his organization’s “The American Comeback Tour” at an outdoor campus event. The University confirmed the shooting occurred shortly after 12 p.m. local time at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate where Kirk engaged students in political and cultural discourse.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason detailed the suspect’s movements, explaining that the individual arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m., navigated stairwells to a rooftop near the event, and fired from an elevated position down at Kirk. The suspect then fled by jumping off the building and escaping into a nearby neighborhood. Authorities are canvassing the area, gathering doorbell camera footage and eyewitness accounts to aid the investigation.
FBI officials announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the shooter. A firearm recovered near Utah Valley University has been entered into evidence along with footwear impressions and palm and forearm prints collected at the scene.
Authorities categorize the murder as a politically motivated targeted attack amid a troubling increase in politically charged violence in the U.S. Mason emphasized the seriousness of the case: “We will not stand for what happened yesterday. We are investing everything we have into this and we will catch this individual.” The FBI continues to urge the public to submit any photos or videos from the scene that could assist in identifying the suspect.
Former law enforcement analysts suggest the withholding of surveillance footage is to protect details of the ongoing manhunt and investigative strategy. The political community and elected officials have widely condemned the shooting and reiterated calls to end political violence.
Charlie Kirk was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after being shot. Prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed condolences and highlighted Kirk’s impact on youth and conservative activism. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement conducting door-to-door inquiries in surrounding neighborhoods and working to locate and apprehend the suspect.