The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday released the photograph of the “person of interest” in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and close aide of US President Donald Trump.
“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the FBI Salt Lake City said in a post on X along with the photograph of the suspect.
In the photo, a young man is seen walking up a staircase. He is wearing a black long-sleeved t-shirt with an American flag logo printed on it, dark jeans and white sneakers.
He is also wearing a cap and black glasses in an apprent bid to conceal his identity.
Earlier today, the investigators had also recovered the “high-powered, bolt-action” refile used in the assassination of Kirk.
However, the assailant who killed Kirk remained at large even as authroties said they have tracked his movements.
The refile was recovered from a wooded area where the Kirk’s shooter had reportedly fled after the incident.
According to a report by the CNN, phrases related to cultural issues were scrawled on the rifle and the ammunition but it was not clear if they pointed put towards the motive.
Authorities also recovered a screwdriver near the rifle which indicates that the killer might have disassembled and reassembled the rifle before the assassination.
Earlier, the investigators described the shooter as a male of college age and said they have managed to find a “good video” of him.
Meanwhile, Trump has announced Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, for Kirk.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and inspiration to millions and millions of people,” President Trump said during an event at Pentagon to to mark the 9/11 attack anniversary.
He also stated, “I have no doubt Charlie’s voice and courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Earlier in the day, Trump shared a video message, paying tributes to his longtime ally.
“I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived & died. The values of free speech, citizenship, the rule of law & the patriotic devotion & love of God.”
Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck speaking at a Utah Valley University event.