Charlie Kirk Assassination Updates: FBI Examines Rifle Messages, Releases Photo of Suspect

Federal and state investigators said Thursday afternoon they are analyzing what appear to be handwritten messages on the rifle and ammunition recovered after Wednesday’s assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

On Thursday afternoon, the FBI released pictures of the suspect.

According to right-wing political commentator Steven Crowder, the markings on the rifle were leftist in nature.

Multiple sources told Fox News the markings were found on the high-powered bolt action rifle discovered along a wooded escape route near the campus. The FBI has not commented publicly on the reported writings but confirmed the weapon is undergoing forensic testing along with footwear, palm and forearm impressions collected at the scene.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said authorities have received more than 130 tips since opening an online portal for photos and videos of the shooting. “We truly rely on the publics help on these types of cases. No tip is too small or too insignificant,” Bohls noted, encouraging people to upload files or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Security footage shows the suspect — described as “of college age” and dressed in dark clothing — arriving on campus at 11:52 a.m., climbing onto a building, firing at Kirk around 12:20 p.m., then jumping down and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood, according to Bohls and Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason. Investigators warned the gunman may still be armed.

President Donald Trump said he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him a “giant of his generation” and a “champion of liberty.” “I’m pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said Thursday, predicting “a very big crowd” at the ceremony.

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, condemned the killing as terrorism. “This evil act is the very definition of terrorism,” she wrote. “Charlie truly loved our country and dedicated his life to protecting our God-given rights.”

Lawmakers reacting to the killing. Rep. Eli Crane called Kirk “one of the smartest” and “one of the most courageous” men he had “ever met,” urging prayers for his widow and children. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard labeled the shooting “the very definition of terrorism,” writing, “Charlie truly loved our country and dedicated his life to protecting our God-given rights.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Clay Higgins pledged to pressure tech companies to permanently bar anyone who “belittled” or “celebrated” the murder, saying he would also pursue business and licensing penalties: “I’m basically going to cancel with extreme prejudice these evil, sick animals who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination.”

Officials said the search remains “an active investigation,” with multiple crime scenes tied to the path the gunman and victim traveled. Forensic teams are working through security footage and evidence while police patrol neighborhoods near the university.

Authorities said Kirk, 31, was struck by a single round around 12:20 p.m. while addressing students. The shooter, described as “of college age,” reportedly climbed onto a nearby roof, fired a high-powered bolt action rifle, then leapt off the building and ran into a neighborhood.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls told reporters they had recovered “good video footage” of the assailant. The firearm believed to have been used was found in nearby woods, along with “footwear, the impression of a palm print and forearm imprints.” Investigators are also reviewing apparent messages discovered on the gun and its ammunition, according to multiple sources.

Beau Mason, Utah’s Department of Public Safety commissioner, noted the suspect arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m., about 30 minutes before opening fire. “We are not sure how far he has gone,” Bohls cautioned.

Witnesses questioned why security at the event appeared light. “There were not a lot of cops there. I’ve seen more cops at UVU for sporting events,” said Sam, a local high school student. “I wonder why there wasn’t any level of security taken to stop people around, like, in front of him.”

Cooper Brown, who was managing the microphone, described the moment of the attack on “Fox & Friends First”: “Unfortunately, very, very soon after the question and answering started, I heard a very loud pop and I looked to my right and see Charlie Kirk, his body shake and blood begin to pour down from the side of his neck.”

Two people detained soon after the incident were later released when investigators determined they had no involvement.

The FBI and Utah authorities are jointly leading the investigation, working with local law enforcement and crime labs. Bohls urged anyone with video or images from the event to submit them online or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. “We truly rely on the publics help on these types of cases. No tip is too small or too insignificant,” he said, noting over 130 tips had been received.

Tributes poured in from across the conservative movement. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., called Kirk “one of the smartest” and “one of the most courageous” people he had ever met. “Charlie Kirk had become a friend and mentor,” Crane wrote on X. “Let us keep his wife and children in prayer for peace that surpasses all understanding.”

Law enforcement remains focused on tracking the suspect, described as dressed in dark clothing. Authorities continue to analyze footage, examine evidence, and pursue leads across several crime scenes. “This shooting is still an active investigation,” Utah’s Department of Public Safety said, stressing cooperation between state and federal agencies.

Kirk, who built a national profile as a speaker, author, and host of “The Charlie Kirk Show,” was remembered as a tireless advocate for conservative ideas on college campuses.