'College-Aged Suspect, Ammo With Trans Messages': What We Know About Charlie Kirk’s Killer

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 20:54 IST

Meanwhile, the FBI confirmed it has recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the killing

Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem. (The Deseret News via AP)

The suspect who shot and killed US conservative activist and President Donald Trump close ally, Charlie Kirk, on a Utah university campus remains at large, with police and federal agents continuing their search.

Authorities say they have not yet identified the person who fired the fatal shot that killed Kirk during an appearance at a Utah campus on Wednesday. The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the suspect fired from a nearby rooftop and fled the scene by jumping off the building.

Here’s what has been revealed so far about the suspect and the investigation:

‘Appears To Be Of College Age"

Utah DPS Commissioner Beau Mason told reporters the suspect “appears to be of college age" and had “blended in well with the college institution." He added, “We’re not releasing many details right now. We will soon. But right now, we’re not."

Two individuals initially detained for questioning were later released after being found to have no connection to the incident.

FBI Recovers Suspected Weapon

The FBI confirmed it has recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the killing. At a press briefing on Thursday, FBI agent Robert Bohls said, “We have recovered what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday’s shooting. It is a high powered bolt action rifle."

Bohls also confirmed that investigators have images of the suspect and are working hard to track him down.

“We’re doing everything we can to find him, and we’re not sure how far he has gone yet, but we will, we will do our best," he added.

Ammunition Engraved With Messages

According to a Wall Street Journal report, investigators found a hunting rifle believed to have been used in the shooting of Kirk in a wooded area near Utah Valley University. The weapon, an older-model .30 calibre rifle, was wrapped in a towel. A spent cartridge remained in the chamber, and three unused bullets were still in the magazine.

Officials told the WSJ that all three rounds were marked with phrases related to “transgender and antifascist ideologies".

Kirk was shot once from a distance while speaking during an event on campus, reportedly discussing mass shootings involving transgender individuals. The person he was in conversation with at the time has not been identified.

Kirk’s Death Sparks Condemnation

Charlie Kirk, 31, was a well-known figure in American conservative circles. He co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and was known for his outspoken views on immigration, religion, and gun rights. He had a strong following on social media and regularly toured US college campuses, often engaging in heated political debates.

Following his death, political leaders across the United States — including from both major parties — expressed shock and condemned the violence. Some supporters have called Kirk a “martyr" for conservative values.

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