Authorities give bleak update on search for Charlie Kirk's assassin as manhunt enters third day
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Crime
Emily Brown
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/The Salt Lake Tribune
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Crime
Authorities in Utah have issued a candid update on the ongoing search for the person who killed US activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was just 31 years old when he was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at a debate event organized by his company, Turning Point USA.
The dad-of-two was speaking with an audience member about gun violence when he was struck in the neck, and despite being rushed to hospital he passed away of his injuries.
Authorities including the FBI have since been on an urgent hunt to find the person responsible for Kirk's death, with investigators having released footage of the suspected shooter as well as still images of a person of interest.
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As the manhunt entered its third day on Friday, Beau Mason, the Utah Department of Public Safety commissioner, was asked by NBC News whether authorities believe the shooter may still be in the area near the university, or even still in the state.
Unfortunately, Mason admitted authorities didn't have the answer.
He said: “We have no idea. We’re exploring leads for individuals that live close by. We literally have persons of interest, tips coming in on the tip line, that are spanning far and wide.”
The FBI has asked for the public's help in identifying the shooter, who is said to have escaped the scene by jumping from a rooftop after firing their weapon.
The Salt Lake City, Utah branch of the organization shared details about the suspect on X, formerly Twitter, writing "The FBI is releasing video of the shooter who murdered Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
"Following the shooting, the individual jumps from a rooftop and runs away from the location. Trace evidence collected from the rooftop includes shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print.
"The shooter's weapon and ammunition were recovered from a wooded area near the university."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has also encouraged anyone with knowledge to come forward, urging members of the public to help identify 'this evil human'.
"We cannot do our job without the public's help right now," Cox said.
The FBI has announced it is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for Kirk's murder.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.