Breaking News: The Day After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination — What We Know So Far

OREM, Utah — America continues to grapple with shock and grief one day after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.

Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck by a single round while addressing an audience on campus. He collapsed on stage as security rushed to his aid. He was transported in critical condition to a local hospital, where his death was later confirmed.

The Shooting

• Location of the shot: Investigators confirmed today that the bullet came from the roof of a campus building in front of the stage, roughly 200 yards away. That building is now cordoned off.

• Weapon: Authorities recovered an older-model .30 caliber hunting rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. A spent cartridge was still in the chamber, along with three unspent rounds in the magazine.

• Ammunition: Law enforcement bulletins (confirmed by The Wall Street Journal and Washington Post) said the cartridges were engraved with expressions of transgender and antifascist ideology.

• Skill level debate: Firearms experts note that while the shot was long-range, the equipment used — a scoped rifle with large-caliber ammunition — meant that even a shooter without advanced training could make such a hit.

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Suspect and Investigation

• The FBI released multiple photos of a person of interest caught on surveillance cameras near the scene. The man wore sunglasses, a cap, and a black shirt with a large stylized bird graphic, not the U.S. flag-and-eagle design some early reports incorrectly described.

• Agents emphasized the images are being circulated widely to help the public identify the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

• An older white male was briefly detained on the day of the shooting but later released. Officials now confirm there is a nationwide manhunt for the actual suspect.

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Immediate Response

• Campus: Utah Valley University has canceled classes and closed the campus for the rest of the week as the investigation continues.

• Security: The FBI and ATF are leading the federal response, with support from state and local law enforcement.

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National Reaction

• President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, calling Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom” and condemning political violence. Earlier in the day, Trump ordered all U.S. flags flown at half-staff until 6 p.m. Sunday. Today, he posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

• Congress: A moment of silence for Kirk in the House of Representatives sparked controversy when several Democratic lawmakers objected during the prayer, drawing criticism after video circulated online.

• Former presidents: Statements of condolence have been issued by George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Jimmy Carter.

• Public comparison: Many supporters have compared the assassination to the killing of President John F. Kennedy, citing the national shock and symbolic weight of the attack.

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Kirk’s Return to Arizona

Vice President J.D. Vance accompanied Kirk’s body aboard Air Force Two today, flying with his wife Erika, their two young children, and close family members to Phoenix, Arizona, where Turning Point USA is based.

What Comes Next

The FBI is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect seen in surveillance images. Officials stress the shooter remains at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.

The investigation is ongoing. Updates will be provided as new verified information becomes available.