'College-aged' gunman involved in Charlie Kirk killing, FBI recovers rifle but Internet questions claim

OREM, UTAH: Authorities announced Thursday that they had recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the killing of Charlie Kirk.

Investigators said they are still searching for the suspect, who is described as “college-aged.”

FBI recovers rifle, forensic evidence of Charlie Kirk shooting 

FBI Salt Lake City Special Agent-in-Charge Robert Bohls said the agency recovered a "high-powered, bolt-action rifle" in the area where Kirk’s killer fled. He noted that investigators are also examining several pieces of physical evidence.

"That rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled," Bohls said. "Investigators have also collected a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis." Bohls confirmed they now have images of the suspect and are reviewing video of his movements.

"I assure you that all leads and tips are being fully investigated," Bohls said, adding that more than 130 tips have been received so far. He urged anyone with video or images from the shooting to submit them to the FBI.

The FBI also released a picture of a "person of interest" in connection with the shooting. 

Authorities say video footage of Charlie Kirk shooter exists

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason revealed that investigators have obtained clear video evidence of the gunman but have not yet made it public.

"We do have good video footage of this individual. We are not going to release that at this time," Mason said. "We are working through some technologies and some ways to identify this individual." He explained that withholding the footage is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation.

"If we are unsuccessful, we will reach out to you as the media, and we will push that publicly to help us identify them. But we are confident in our abilities right now, and we would like to move forward in a manner that keeps everyone safe and then moves this process, appropriately," Mason said.

Mason also shared that he had spoken with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, following the Turning Point USA founder’s death. “Last night I communicated with Erika,” he said. “The family’s devastated. As commissioner of public safety, as a father, as a husband, I can only imagine what that family is going through.”

Charlie Kirk's shooter described as 'college-aged' who was tracked on campus before escape

Officials said the shooter arrived on campus at 11:52 am on Wednesday, about 30 minutes before Charlie Kirk was shot around 12:20 pm.

Investigators reported that the suspect blended in with students as he navigated stairwells, climbed to the roof, crossed to the shooting location, and opened fire on Kirk before escaping.

After the attack, the shooter "moved to the other side of the building, jumped off of the building and fled off of the campus into a neighborhood," authorities said. They added that the man “appears to be of college age” and “blended in well with the college institution.”

Internet raises doubts over 'college-aged' claim

The announcement sparked skepticism online, with many questioning the description of the gunman.

"How does a college-aged dude make such a clean shot and then escapes so subtle? I don’t buy it," wrote one user on X. 

Another questioned the suspect’s skills: "How many college students have that type of shooting skills?"

Others doubted the FBI’s assessment. "What clue makes them think it's a 18-22 year old?" asked one commenter.

"It just seems strange a college-aged person was able to use a weapon with such precision," wrote another.

"I’m not buying this. This man was a well trained, sharp shooter!," added another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.