FBI Gets a Murder Suspect in New Images and Announces a $100,000 Prize
Washington, September 12, 2025- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Tuesday put forth new surveillance images of the alleged killer in the murder of the conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, at Utah Valley University. Authorities are calling to the public to come forward with useful information leading to the arrest of the shooter and have announced a reward of up to $100,000 to anyone who could provide information leading to his arrest. The death of 31-year-old Kirk, who was the founder of Turning Point USA, sent shockwaves through U.S. politics and fueled renewed fears about rising political violence.
New Surveillance Images Emerge
The four images shared by the Salt Lake City office of the FBI all show similar descriptions of what is said to be a young man in a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a shirt that claims to show an American flag print. The person is also seen holding a black backpack while walking through a stairwell within a campus building. These pictures were taken some minutes before the shooting. FBI special agent Bohls Robert confirmed that the authorities had followed several leads and were “working around the clock” to locate suspect authorities. The bureau stressed that this suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.
More than 24 hours after the brazen hit, the manhunt continues, as law enforcement scours the woods adjacent to the Utah Valley University campus.
Evidence Collected at the Scene
They retrieved what they believe to be the murder weapon: a high-powered bolt-action rifle, which was wrapped in a towel and hidden in nearby woods. Forensics also retrieved a spent cartridge in the chamber and three further rounds in the magazine. The weapon and the ammunition undergo analysis at a federal lab.
Investigators discovered “a footwear impression” and “a forearm imprint” that they believe were left by the suspect, the two providing important forensic clues that could help narrow down the search.
“It was a targeted attack,” Bohls declared, confirming that Kirk was deliberately singled out, the fatal bullet being fired from the roof of Losee Centre within the university, which is about 100-200 yards from where Kirk spoke.
In-Chilling Moments on Camera
The shooting that happened outside at midday was captured by several cell phone videos that soon made it across social media. The video shows Kirk speaking to a student audience with a handheld microphone before a single shot rings out. He collapses moments later, clutching the left side of his neck as stunned attendees scream and scatter for safety.
The gunman is said to have had an adult-subtle facade that came in handy to blend with the crowd on the campus and further make it easier to access the rooftop vantage point from where he would fire at his target. After shooting, the shooter allegedly jumped down from the building and disappeared into the woods.
No official motive has been given, but officials indicated that the killing is part of a disturbing new wave of politically motivated violence.
National Fallout and Security Woes
Charlie Kirk, the closest ally of former President Donald Trump, was instrumental in organizing conservative youth through Turning Point USA. His death has met with outrage among the population and heated exchanges about political extremism and public safety in political events.
Law enforcement agencies now face the backlash of public opinion, with experts warning that normalizing political violence presents a dire threat to democratic discourse. The FBI has put out a reward of up to $10,000, which clears the urgency of the case as well as the determination on the part of federal authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice.
As the investigation heats up, officials stress that public cooperation can prove decisive in capturing the suspect before he strikes again.
