The suspect, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved black shirt, was captured on video climbing down from the edge of the rooftop before jumping to the ground.
US investigators have released dramatic video footage and photos of a suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed while speaking at a university event in Utah on Wednesday.
Surveillance shows rooftop escape
Newly released video shows the shooter dressed in black, sprinting across a campus rooftop and leaping off the building moments after firing a single fatal shot. Authorities believe the suspect fled into a nearby neighbourhood and remains at large.
The man is seen wearing a black long-sleeved T-shirt featuring an American flag, a bald eagle, and the words “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,” along with a dark baseball cap, black sunglasses, and Converse shoes. He also carried a backpack.
FBI, Utah officials seek public help
At a joint press briefing on Friday (Thursday U.S. time), Utah Governor Spencer Cox and the FBI appealed for public assistance. Cox confirmed that investigators have received over 7,000 tips and conducted more than 200 interviews.
“We cannot do our job without the publicโs help right now,” Cox said. “We want to catch this assassin and hold him accountable.” The governor added that Utah would consider pursuing the death penalty upon arrest.
FBI Director Kash Patel stood alongside state and federal officials but did not speak. A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspectโs arrest.
Murder weapon recovered, motive still unknown
Law enforcement has recovered the rifle believed to have been used in the killing. Officials say the shooter left palm impressions, smudges, and a shoe print โ possible sources of DNA.
No motive has been confirmed, though former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, hinted he had โsome indicationโ of the shooterโs intent. He called Kirkโs death a โheinous assassination.โ
Shirt linked to veterans group
Joe VanFonda, CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, confirmed the suspectโs shirt resembles one mailed to donors since 2023. โIt was never sold โ only distributed to our supporters, most of whom are over 60,โ he said.
As political tensions rise, Kirkโs killing has sparked bipartisan condemnation and renewed concerns about political violence in the U.S.