Search Articles
(CN) — The FBI on Thursday released photos of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk and is offering up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Federal authorities released the photos a day after Kirk, founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, died from a gunman’s bullet while speaking at a Utah Valley University event. While authorities did interview at least one person after the shooting, they were released. Officials had no one in custody as of Thursday morning.
The photos of the suspect depict a seemingly white man wearing a hat and sunglasses. He has a long-sleeved, black shirt with the image of an American flag and long pants.
The FBI directed people to a website where people can provide information and photos.
The fatal shooting of the conservative commentator and activist led the university to shutter classes and escort people from the campus. Elected officials and media personalities on both sides of the aisle denounced political violence.
In session at the time, both chambers of the California Legislature paused legislative business to acknowledge the violent act. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, serving as speaker pro tempore, noted that decorum — which he regularly invokes on the floor — was necessary.
Initial social media posts offered prayers for Kirk in hopes he’d survive the gunshot wound to his neck. Shortly afterward, President Donald Trump posted that Kirk had died.
Trump himself has twice escaped assassination attempts.
While many people decried political violence, others offered little sympathy. They pointed to Kirk’s controversial statements about slavery and homosexuality. Many highlighted a statement he made in 2023: “I think it’s worth (it) to have 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.”
Turning Point USA champions conservative values at high schools and universities. Founded in 2012 by Kirk, its goal is to identify, educate, train and organize students, leading them to herald ideals like fiscal responsibility and limited government.
The organization on its website boasts a presence on over 3,500 campuses, calling itself the biggest and fastest-growing youth group in the nation.
Subscribe to our free newsletters
Our weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.