The FBI has recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be used in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, but the gunman remains at large. Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls confirmed the discovery of the weapon in a wooded area, where authorities suspect the shooter fled after the attack.
In addition to the rifle, investigators have also found a footwear impression, a paw print, and a forearm imprint, which are being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bohls thanked the community for their help, noting that the FBI has received over 130 tips so far in the case. Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate the suspect responsible for the shooting.
Fatal shooting at long range
Kirk, 31, had been invited to speak at Utah Valley University (UVU) and was addressing a crowd of around 3,000 people under a white gazebo in the quad, an outdoor bowl-shaped courtyard. Eyewitnesses and videos from the scene indicate that Kirk was answering a question about gun violence when the incident occurred.
“Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?” an audience member asked. “Too many,” Kirk responded. The questioner then mentioned that there had been five such incidents in the past decade and asked Kirk how many mass shooters there had been in that period. Kirk answered, “Counting or not counting gang violence?”
*New footage shows someone on the Losee Center roof at UVU moments before Charlie Kirk was shot.*
*𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦*https://t.co/JfzbN8qRho pic.twitter.com/c7yXmRCznF
— Ephraim Dovid (@EphyDude613) September 11, 2025
Moments later, a single shot rang out at approximately 12:20 local time. Law enforcement officials believe the fatal shot was fired from the roof of a building near the courtyard where Kirk was speaking. They are reviewing CCTV footage and suspect the shooter was “dressed in dark clothing.”
Social media videos that show a figure on the roof of a university building shortly after the shooting. This footage was posted on X following the attack, though its exact timing remains unverified.
