Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was 31 and had built Turning Point USA into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in the country. A manhunt is underway for the shooter, who fled the scene after firing a single round from a rooftop.
A day later, tributes poured in, security tightened, and federal investigators released new details. Here are the top developments from Thursday:
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FBI RELEASES SURVEILLANCE IMAGES
The FBI published two surveillance photos of a person of interest man in a baseball cap, dark sunglasses, and a shirt with an American flag graphic. He was seen walking a stairwell to a rooftop, where the fatal shot was fired.
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TRUMP PROMISES POSTHUMOUS HONOUR
At the Pentagon, President Trump announced Kirk would be posthumously honoured, calling him “a martyr for truth and freedom.” He blamed “radical left” rhetoric for fuelling political violence.
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TRUMP TO ATTEND KIRK’S FUNERAL
Trump confirmed he would attend Kirk’s funeral in Arizona next weekend, saying he had “an obligation” to be there.
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FBI OFFERS $100,000 REWARD
The FBI announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of Kirk’s killer.
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RIFLE AND EVIDENCE RECOVERED
Investigators said the recovered weapon was an imported Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle. Forensic teams also found a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints near the scene.
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SECURITY TIGHTENS NATIONWIDE
Authorities increased security across the US following the shooting. Trump’s planned 9/11 address near the Pentagon was moved Thursday morning “out of an abundance of caution.”
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TIKTOK REMOVES GRAPHIC VIDEOS
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said TikTok would take down graphic videos of Kirk’s shooting. She also urged the platform to remove content inciting violence after the incident.
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VP VANCE TO ACCOMPANY CASKET
Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha will escort Kirk’s casket and family aboard Air Force Two from Utah to Arizona, cancelling his attendance at a 9/11 memorial in New York.
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FLORIDA VOWS PROBE INTO TEACHERS
Florida’s education commissioner said the state would investigate teachers who posted negative comments about Kirk, stressing educators must maintain “higher standards” as public servants.
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UNIVERSITY DEAN FIRED OVER POSTS
Middle Tennessee State University confirmed it fired Dean Laura Sosh-Lightsy over social media posts about Kirk following his death. She had been with the school since 2004.
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