OREM, United States: US federal investigators have released video footage and photographs of a man described as a “person of interest” in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The 31-year-old author, podcast host, and close ally of President Donald Trump was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing more than 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem.
The footage shows a figure running across a rooftop, believed to be the location from which the fatal shot was fired, before leaping to the ground and fleeing into nearby woods. Police say a palm print, a shoe impression, and a high-powered rifle were later recovered close to the area.
Nationwide manhunt under way
Despite more than 30 hours of searching, the suspect remains at large. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Authorities described the suspect as a white male wearing jeans, Converse shoes, a long-sleeved black T-shirt featuring a US flag and eagle, and a black baseball cap with a triangle emblem.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said more than 200 interviews had been completed and nearly 7,000 public tips were under review. “We need as much help as we can possibly get,” he told reporters, urging citizens to share photos and videos with investigators.
Politically charged killing
Kirk, who built strong youth support for the Republican Party and played a key role in energising Trump’s political base, died shortly after being taken to hospital with a gunshot wound to the neck. Trump condemned the attack as a “heinous assassination.”
Vice President JD Vance accompanied Kirk’s body as it was flown back to Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday. Meanwhile, authorities say they are collecting evidence that could allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty once a suspect is apprehended.
