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The FBI has released new videos and images of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, urging the public to help identify and locate the suspected gunman.

The footage, unveiled during a Thursday evening press conference with state and federal officials, shows the individual climbing down from a rooftop at Utah Valley University—where investigators believe the fatal shot was fired—before walking away from the scene.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called on citizens to come forward with tips, describing the suspect as “this evil human.”

“We cannot do our job without the public's help right now,” Cox said, adding that officials are prepared to pursue the death penalty if the case reaches trial.

The FBI announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect. FBI Director Kash Patel stood alongside state leaders but declined to take questions.

Distinct clothing and evidence recovered

Authorities shared still photos of the suspect wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a shirt featuring an American flag print, along with Converse sneakers. Investigators believe these details may help identify the individual.

The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed that shoe impressions and a palm print were left behind, in addition to video surveillance. Officials reported more than 7,000 tips have been received and some 200 interviews conducted so far.

Earlier Thursday, the FBI also revealed that a “high-powered bolt action rifle” believed to be the murder weapon had been recovered in a wooded area along the suspect’s apparent escape route. According to sources, the rifle was an imported Mauser .30-06 wrapped in a towel, with the spent cartridge still chambered and three unused cartridges inscribed with what appeared to be “transgender and anti-fascist” markings. Investigators are still determining whether these were genuine indicators or deliberate misdirection.

The weapon and ammunition are being flown to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, for forensic testing, including fingerprint and DNA analysis.

Timeline of the shooting

Officials reconstructed the shooter’s movements leading up to the assassination. At 11:52 a.m. Wednesday, the suspect was seen entering the Orem campus of Utah Valley University, moving through stairwells to the rooftop. By 12:20 p.m., a single fatal shot struck Charlie Kirk as he spoke at an outdoor event attended by more than 3,000 people.

After firing, the suspect descended the opposite side of the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood. Investigators are now canvassing the area for witnesses and doorbell camera footage.

Authorities described the attack as “targeted” and said every available resource is being deployed. “We will not stand for what happened yesterday,” Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety said. “We will catch this individual.”

Political reactions and national fallout

The killing of Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two and co-founder of Turning Point USA, has sparked nationwide outrage and political tension. President Donald Trump called the attack a “political assassination,” blaming “demonizing rhetoric from the radical Left” for fueling violence.

“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree,” Trump said in a video statement.

While Trump and his allies pointed to hostility against conservatives, Utah Gov. Cox struck a broader note of alarm:

“Our nation is broken,” Cox said. “We’ve had political assassinations recently in Minnesota, an attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, and even an attempt on a presidential candidate. Nothing I say can bring back Charlie Kirk. Our hearts are broken.”

Former President Joe Biden and other Democrats also condemned the attack. “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence,” Biden said, extending condolences to Kirk’s family. California Gov. Gavin Newsom echoed that the shooting was “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”

Controversial campus visit

Kirk had been on his American Comeback Tour, bringing his trademark “prove me wrong” sessions to college campuses. His visit to Utah Valley University had been met with controversy, including an online petition with more than 7,000 signatures opposing his appearance.

Despite the tension, law enforcement officials said there were no credible threats ahead of time. The event had six campus police officers present in addition to Kirk’s private security.

Following the tragedy, UVU announced it would remain closed through September 14.

Arrests and investigation updates

Two individuals were initially detained after the shooting but later released. Authorities clarified neither had direct ties to the assassination. A third, unrelated individual was arrested Thursday after trespassing in a secured area of the crime scene to take photos.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to process physical evidence including a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints, while working through thousands of public tips.

Honors for Charlie Kirk

Trump ordered American flags to be lowered to half-staff through Sunday and announced Kirk would posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him “a giant of his generation.”

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Kirk’s widow, Erika, and their two young children in Salt Lake City before accompanying the family on Air Force Two to Phoenix with Kirk’s casket.

Kirk’s influence as a conservative voice, particularly among young voters, was widely recognized. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a “lion-hearted friend of Israel,” while allies described his death as an attack on free speech itself.

As the manhunt intensifies, authorities reiterated their warning to the suspect: “We will find you. We will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”