Images released today by the FBI and Utah law enforcement show a person of interest (POI) in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, prompting appeals for public help to identify him.
The manhunt is active, and officials say any credible tip could be crucial. The local FBI office should be contacted by anyone who recognizes him.
(Images of the POI are included below this article.)
What Happened
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, a 31‑year‑old conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was shot and killed. The event was part of his “American Comeback Tour.”
Authorities believe the shot came from a rooftop roughly 200 yards (about 180‑200 meters) away from where he was speaking. The crowd was large; several thousand people were in attendance.
What Authorities Have Released
Law enforcement released two surveillance still images showing the person of interest. In those images, the suspect is wearing:
- A dark-colored baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- A long sleeve black shirt that features an American flag design on the front
- Dark jeans
- A backpack
- Possibly Converse‑style sneakers (or similar footwear)
One of the images shows the suspect walking up stairs, captured on campus security footage, just before the shooting.
Forensic Evidences & Other Leads
Authorities say they recovered:
- A high‑powered bolt‑action rifle, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting in a wooded area near the campus.
- Impressions indicating presence on the rooftop from which the shot was fired: palm prints, a forearm print, and a footwear impression.
They also report having video footage that tracks the suspect’s path: arriving on campus, going up stairs, accessing a rooftop, firing the shot, then fleeing. The exact motive remains under investigation.
Suspect Still Unidentified
So far officials have not identified or arrested the person of interest. Facial recognition has not produced a confirmed match. The community has responded with tips; authorities say hundreds or thousands of leads are being evaluated.
The FBI, along with the Utah Department of Public Safety, is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible.
Why This POI Matters
Because of the surveillance images and videos, combined with forensic evidence left on the scene, this person of interest is a key link in the investigation. The rooftop vantage point, the weapon recovered nearby, and the prints all suggest the shooter planned and carried out the attack with some degree of preparation.
Officials have stressed that the incident appears “targeted.” The fact that a public event was underway, with a known figure speaking, has raised fears about political violence and security at such gatherings.
What the Public Can Do
Authorities are asking anyone who might recognize the individual in the images to come forward. Useful identifying details might include facial features (even partial), clothing, distinctive accessories (e.g. backpack, shoes), or knowledge of someone who matches the description.
If you have video or photos from around the campus from that day, or saw someone acting suspiciously (especially around rooftops, stairwells, or exiting quickly), law enforcement wants that information.
Contact the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office or your local FBI office directly with any tips. You can also share tips anonymously if needed. Reward details have been announced — $100,000 for information that leads to identification and arrest.
Broader Implications & Context
This tragedy has stirred intense reactions across political lines. The killing of a public political figure at a campus event heightens concern about security, the potential for reprisals, and the chilling effect on public discourse and activism.
Officials so far have emphasized that there is no known ongoing threat to the general public, but that does not lessen the gravity of the crime. Investigators are working around the clock to piece together what led up to this, who might have helped in planning, escape routes, and whether the inscriptions on recovered ammunition (some preliminary reports mention messages related to transgender issues and antifascist statements) have any relevance or were intended to mislead.
Images of the Person of Interest
(Here are the released surveillance stills of the POI.)
What to Watch Next
- If clearer photos or videos emerge that allow a better view of the POI’s face or identifying features.
- Whether any match is made via surveillance cameras, facial recognition databases, or citizen tips.
- Updates from forensic analysis of the rifle, bullets/cartridges, and prints recovered (palm, forearm, shoe).
- Whether law enforcement brings charges when a suspect is identified.
Summary
The FBI has released images of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. The suspect remains at large, but forensic evidence and surveillance footage have given investigators leads. A reward is in place. Public assistance is being sought in identifying this individual.
If you recognize the person in the images shown above or have relevant information, contact the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office or your nearest local FBI office immediately. Every tip matters.
