The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday that it has recovered the 'high-powered bolt action' rifle that was used to kill Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, on Wednesday. Briefing the media, Utah DPS Commissioner Beau Mason said the rifle was recovered from a 'wooden area' and the forensic teams are examining it.
Mason also said the probe agency has the video footage of Kirk's killer, who fled to a neighbourhood after killing Trump's ally. He said the suspect "appears to be of college age", and he "blended in" with the college population.
"We are confident we will be able to identify him," the official said. "Investigators have collected footwear impression, a palmprint and forearm imprints for analysis."
Kirk shot dead during Utah college event
31-year-old Kirk, who played a key role in galvanising youth vote for Trump during the 2024 presidential elections, was shot dead during a college event in Utah on Wednesday. Videos of the incident have gone viral, in which Kirk could be seen sitting under a white tent emblazoned with slogans - 'The American Comeback' and 'Prove Me Wrong'.
Notably, Kirk was taking questions on gun violence when he was shot dead.
Trump blames 'radical left' for Kirk's killing
Later, Trump blamed the 'radical left' for the killing of Kirk and called it a 'dark moment' for the US. Trump said Kirk was a "man of deep, deep faith", who always engaged with those who were interested in 'good faith debate'. He also warned his killers, saying they will have to face 'tragic consequences'.
"Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country that he loved so much, the United States of America," the US President said in a video statement. "He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He's a martyr for truth and freedom, and there has never been anyone who was so respected by youth."
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