High-powered bolt-action rifle recovered in wooded area where Charlie Kirk’s assassin fled

The FBI has recovered what they believe is the weapon used to kill conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The investigation continues as authorities search for the shooter who remains at large after carrying out what Utah Governor Spencer Cox called a political assassination.

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at his “American Comeback Tour” event on the Orem campus. The shooting happened around 12:20 p.m. as Kirk was answering questions from students in his signature “Prove Me Wrong” format. Video footage shows Kirk reaching for his neck before collapsing as panicked attendees fled the scene.

According to The Hill, FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls confirmed during a Thursday morning press conference that authorities recovered a “high-powered bolt-action rifle” in a wooded area where the shooter had fled after the attack. Bohls said the FBI will be analyzing the weapon along with other evidence collected at the scene. Investigators also found footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints that are being examined for leads.

Investigation reveals detailed timeline of the attack

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators have tracked the shooter’s complete route from arrival to escape. The suspect arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m. and moved through stairwells to reach a rooftop position. After firing the fatal shot, the gunman moved to the other side of the building, jumped down, and fled into a nearby neighborhood.

Officials believe the suspect is of college age and successfully blended in with the campus environment. The FBI has good footage of the individual but has not yet released the images publicly. Law enforcement is canvassing the neighborhood where the shooter escaped, asking residents for any information that might help identify the perpetrator.

Two people were initially detained as persons of interest but were later released after being cleared of any connection to the shooting. One individual faced charges for obstruction of justice but was not linked to the actual attack. The confusion led to criticism of the investigation’s handling, with some officials retracting earlier statements about having a suspect in custody.

Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital after being shot but died from his injuries. His death has prompted widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum and renewed calls for an end to political violence. The manhunt continues as federal and local law enforcement agencies work together to bring the shooter to justice.