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The hunt for the assassin, who shot the right activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University, is still running. But piece by piece new details come to light.
Public search and Trump reaction
The FBI announced on Thursday that he had found a “high -performance repetitive rifle” that was probably the murder weapon. “The weapon was discovered in a forest in which the perpetrator had fled. Our laboratory will analyze it,” said FBI special investigator Robert Bohl. In addition, “a shoe print” and “palm and forearm prints” were secured. On the question of the motif, Bohls only wanted to say that all of the traces would be followed.
On Thursday morning, the FBI published photos of a “person of interest”. And suspended a reward of up to $ 100,000 for clues that lead to the perpetrator’s captivation.
Donald Trump, who announced Kirk’s death on Truth Social, announced that Kirk posthumously wanted to award the president’s medal. “Charlie was a giant of his generation. A pioneer for freedom and inspiration for millions,” said Trump at a memorial event on September 11th. He also ordered all US flags to set up on a half mast by Sunday evening. In a speech from the Oval Office, he blamed the “radical left” for Kirk’s death. Although nothing is known about the motif.
The “Wall Street Journal” reported alleged references to “transgender and anti-fascist ideology” on the ammunition of the murder weapon. The New York Times later contradicted. These internal reports have not been checked. And did not match any other evidence.
Confusion about suspects
Kirk was hit by a single shot during his lecture and taken to the hospital. Videos show a shooter on the roof of a building around 150 meters away. The alleged crime scene according to the university. Two hours after the crime, Trump confirmed Kirk’s death after a critical condition had previously been reported.
Beau Mason, head of security of the state of Utah, announced that a suspect was initially arrested, but was released again after a short time. Because he did not match the perpetrator. FBI director Kash Patel then wrote to X that a “subject” was in custody. However, later made it clear that this person was released again.
FBI published video
On Thursday evening, the FBI office in Salt Lake City published a video that shows the shooter after the shot jumping off the roof and fleeing. According to the authorities, in addition to the pressing, the crime weapon and ammunition were also secured in a nearby forest.
The big search according to Charlie Kirk’s murderer continues. Against the background of internal restructuring at the FBI, after director Patel dropped the head of the office in Salt Lake City a few weeks ago.