Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Aitelly
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Utah, US News, Crime
Emily Brown
A simulation exploring the shooting of US activist Charlie Kirk details how an attacker may have been able to target him with a 'clear line of sight'.
Kirk, who co-founded the organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead at the age of just 31 on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
The activist was known for his divisive opinions on topics including the LGBTQ+ community and gun rights, and in the wake of his death, Utah's governor described the shooting as 'a political assassination'.
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The search for the person responsible for Kirk's death is currently ongoing, with the FBI having appealed for the public's help in identifying a suspect.
Authorities have also released details about the events that took place on September 10, which have helped inform a simulation created by YouTube channel AiTelly.
The shooter is believed to have fled the scene by jumping from the roof of a building called the Losee Center, which is located within 400 feet of where Kirk had been addressing the crowd.
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The simulation explains this position could have given the shooter a 'clear line of sight', stating: "The rooftop provided a clear vantage point with open sight lines directly to the event area."
Noting the decision to fire from the rooftop, the video goes on to suggest: "The shooter chose an elevated, concealed position to avoid close detection and maximize the chances of escape."
See the video below:
The FBI has confirmed that the shooter 'jump[ed] from a rooftop and [ran] away from the location' after the shooting, noting: "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."
The gun believed to have been used was described as a high-powered hunting rifle, which aligns with the simulation's suggestion that due to the accuracy with which Kirk was hit, a 'scoped firearm' designed for long range precision was likely used.
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Unfortunately, the shooter was successful in their escape from the scene and a manhunt for the killer is still ongoing at the time of writing (September 12).
Police have shared images showing a person wearing a hat, sunglasses and a long sleeve black shirt running across a roof in the hope that members of the public may be able to help in identifying them.
The FBI is offering a reward of $100,000 for anyone with information leading to the arrest of Kirk's killer.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.