The video depicts the suspected shooter jumping from a building and departing the area.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has made public new video material of the individual suspected in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The footage illustrates the shooter jumping from a rooftop at Utah Valley University and subsequently fleeing into a nearby wooded region.
The incident took place on Wednesday, just after 12:20 PM Mountain Time, when the perpetrator discharged a solitary rifle shot from the top of a university building. The projectile hit Kirk in the neck as he spoke to a student gathering.
The recently disseminated video depicts the individual traversing the roof, descending the structure – reportedly leaving behind palm prints, smudges thought to contain DNA, and a shoe impression, as stated by the FBI. Following this, the suspect is observed sprinting across a grassy expanse adjacent to a parking lot before vanishing into the surrounding woods.
A potent Mauser bolt-action rifle, accompanied by ammunition inscribed with phrases such as “transgender” and “anti-fascist,” was subsequently discovered in the aforementioned wooded vicinity, based on law enforcement sources quoted by ABC News.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox implored the public for assistance in the ongoing pursuit, highlighting that over 7,000 leads have already been provided to the FBI – marking the highest volume since the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
“Our work cannot proceed effectively without the public’s immediate assistance,” Cox declared during a press conference held on Thursday. The governor further stated that Utah intends to “seek the death penalty” upon the apprehension of the individual.
The Salt Lake City office of the FBI persists in disseminating images of the individual of interest and is providing a reward of up to $100,000 for details resulting in the suspect’s capture. Forensic evidence gathered thus far comprises shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print retrieved from the rooftop from which the fatal shot was discharged.
Kirk, aged 31, who founded Turning Point USA, was a notable conservative advocate and a close supporter of President Donald Trump. His killing has been characterized by authorities as a deliberate political assassination.