Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person of interest
The FBI has released surveillance photographs of a person of interest connected to the fatal shooting of right-wing political influencer Charlie Kirk and is appealing to the public for help in identifying him.
On Thursday, Sept. 11, the FBI’s Salt Lake City office, working in coordination with the Utah Department of Public Safety, made public two images of the individual. The photos show the person wearing a long-sleeve black shirt displaying an American flag, along with a dark-colored hat and sunglasses.
One of the images depicts the person walking up a flight of stairs.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while appearing at a Turning Point USA rally held on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Authorities believe the fatal round was fired from the rooftop of a building located approximately 200 yards away from the spot where Kirk was addressing the crowd.
Earlier on Thursday, officials confirmed they were in possession of images of the suspected shooter but initially chose not to release them, explaining that “technologies” were being used to analyze the material. Now, authorities have made the decision to share the photos and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual.
Investigators also revealed that physical evidence was recovered from the rooftop where they believe the gunfire originated. Among the items documented at the scene were a forearm imprint, a footwear print, and a palm imprint.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls stated that the killing of Charlie Kirk appeared to be a targeted act, adding that investigators do not believe there is any ongoing danger to the community in Orem.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the shooting as a “political assassination,” underscoring the gravity of the attack.