FBI: Rifle and writings discovered after fatal attack on Charlie Kirk

By Jeff Tavss | FOX 13 Salt Lake City

OREM, Utah — The weapon used in the deadly shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was discovered overnight, with the FBI adding that they currently have images of the suspect.

During a briefing Thursday, FBI officials said the weapon, a high-powered bolt action rifle, was found in a wooded area, although the exact location was not released. Footprints were also discovered in the wooded area, which are currently being analyzed.

CNN reports that phrases “related to cultural issues” were found written on the rifle and ammunition that were discovered in the woods. Among the markings, the outlet said, were initials that law enforcement is using in hopes of matching with a suspect.

Authorities said they have viewed images and video footage of the alleged suspect but will not release those to the public immediately as the search for the unidentified person continues. They did say that the person blended well with the “college institution,” saying they appeared to be of college age.

Watch full FBI briefing on shooting here

“I can tell you this was a targeted event,” said FBI agent Robert Bohls.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason added that the suspect arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. on Wednesday, and that officials have since tracked his movements through stairwells and up to a rooftop location where the shot was fired.

“After the shooting, we were able to track his movements as he moved to the other side of the building, jumped off of the building, and fled off of the campus and into a neighborhood,” said Mason.

The FBI and Mason added that they are confident in their ability to track the individual.

“We will not stand for what happened yesterday,” said Mason. “We are exhausting every lead. We have every officer invested in this, every investigator, every local agency. The outpouring of support from the law enforcement community has been astounding. We are investing everything we have into this, and we will catch this individual.”

As of Thursday morning, over 130 tips had been shared with law enforcement officials since the shooting. The FBI is encouraging people to continue sharing any information they have to the agency’s tip line.

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