FBI, Utah police give update on Charlie Kirk shooter as manhunt continues — 9/11/2025

Key Concepts:

• Shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) during a Turning Point USA event featuring Charlie Kirk.
• Death of Charlie Kirk.
• Ongoing investigation involving state and federal agencies (Utah Department of Public Safety, FBI, ATF).
• Recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used.
• Collection of forensic evidence (footwear impressions, palm print, forearm imprints).
• Search for the shooter, described as appearing to be of college age.
• Emphasis on the targeted nature of the event and reassurance to the community.
• Request for public assistance in providing tips, videos, or images related to the shooting.

1. Recap of Events and Initial Response:

• On 9/11, instead of honoring those who sacrificed for the country, law enforcement is hunting a murderer.
• At approximately 12:20 p.m. at UVU, Charlie Kirk was shot during a Turning Point USA event.
• Kirk was transported to a local hospital but passed away later that night.
• The body was moved to the state office of the medical examiner.
• Two persons of interest were interviewed and cleared, but faced scrutiny and threats. The public is asked to be patient and not harass these individuals.

2. Investigative Breakthroughs and Evidence:

• Investigators tracked the shooter's movements starting at 11:52 a.m.
• The shooter arrived on campus, moved through stairwells, up to the roof, across the roof to a shooting location.
• After the shooting, the shooter jumped off the building and fled into a neighborhood.
• Investigators are canvassing neighborhoods, collecting doorbell camera footage, and interviewing witnesses.
• Good video footage of the individual exists but will not be released immediately.
• A high-powered bolt-action rifle, believed to be the weapon used, was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter fled.
• Footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints have been collected for analysis.

3. Law Enforcement Collaboration and Resources:

• The investigation involves investigators from the State Bureau of Investigations, county, city agencies, UVU, the FBI, and the ATF.
• The FBI has brought every resource to bear on the investigation.
• The FBI's mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution, viewing the attack as an attack on the First Amendment.
• The community's support has been astounding, with an outpouring of support from the law enforcement community.

4. Community Safety and Reassurance:

• The event was a targeted event, and law enforcement does not believe the community is at risk.
• However, every resource is being exhausted to find the shooter.
• The Utah Department of Public Safety and the FBI were not involved in the planning or security of the event.

5. Call for Public Assistance:

• The FBI has received more than 130 tips and thanks the community for their help.
• The public is asked to submit any video or images from the shooting to the FBI's digital media tip website at ww.fbi.govutah valley shooting or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
• No tip is too small or insignificant.

6. Suspect Description and Investigation Status:

• The suspect appears to be of college age and blended in well with the college environment.
• Details about the suspect's face or other specific details are not being released at this time as it is part of the ongoing investigation.
• Law enforcement is confident in their abilities to track the individual.

7. Emotional Impact and State's Response:

• The family of Charlie Kirk is devastated.
• The shooting is described as a heinous event that is not representative of Utah.
• The state has come together to help families in mourning and show character, service, and camaraderie.
• The state is investing everything to catch the individual.
• The scene was horrific, with people barricading classrooms and running in fear.

8. Notable Quotes:

• Commissioner Bo Mason: "We will not stand for what happened yesterday. We are exhausting every lead. We have every officer invested in this...we will catch this individual."
• Special Agent Robert BS: "Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy. That is why we will relentlessly pursue this case and the shooter until we find him."

9. Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Persons of Interest: Individuals who are being investigated but are not necessarily suspects.
• Forensic Evidence: Evidence collected at a crime scene that can be used to identify a suspect or establish facts of a case (e.g., footwear impressions, palm print, forearm imprints).
• Digital Media Tip Website: A website where the public can submit digital evidence, such as videos or images, to assist in an investigation.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The press conference addressed the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the incident, focusing on tracking the shooter, analyzing forensic evidence, and seeking public assistance. The emphasis is on bringing the perpetrator to justice, reassuring the community, and upholding the principles of freedom of speech and safety. The investigation is ongoing, with significant resources being dedicated to resolving the case.