In a major development in the investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, law enforcement officials have released new surveillance video showing a person of interest fleeing the scene. The video, released by the Utah Department of Public Safety and the FBI, depicts a man running across the roof of a building at Utah Valley University, jumping to the ground, and then running into a wooded area.
The footage is the latest effort by authorities to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the assassination of Kirk, who was shot and killed while speaking at a Turning Point USA event on Wednesday. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and identification of the shooter.
During a press conference, Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that over 7,000 tips and leads have been received from the public, a number he compared to the digital media tips received during the Boston Marathon bombing investigation. Cox also indicated that his office is preparing to seek the death penalty in the case.
The released video and still images from the surveillance footage show a person in a baseball cap, dark clothing, and what appears to be a black T-shirt with an American flag and eagle design. Authorities have also recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle from a wooded area near where the suspect fled. The rifle, along with a palm print and a footwear impression, is being analyzed by the FBI.
The shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent figure in youth conservative politics and a close ally of Donald Trump, has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum. The killing has been widely condemned by leaders from both major political parties.
While the released video shows the suspect's escape, separate, and more graphic, videos of the moment Kirk was shot have also been circulating widely on social media. These videos, captured by attendees at the event, have raised questions about the changing role of traditional media and the uninhibited spread of graphic content online. Several social media platforms, including YouTube, have stated they are taking steps to restrict or remove some of the most explicit content.
The manhunt for the shooter continues, with authorities appealing to the public for any information that could help in the investigation.
