American conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a campus event in Utah, and the manhunt for his killer has entered its second day. Federal investigators say the rifle believed to be used in Kirk's death has been recovered.
Robert Boles, special agent in charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City office, said the high-powered bolt-action rifle was found in a wooded area near Utah Valley University and that the gunman fled from the scene to the area after the attack. The weapon is currently being examined at the FBI laboratory along with shoe prints, palm prints and other evidence collected at the scene.
Authorities said the gunman, who appeared to be about the same age as a college student, climbed onto a rooftop after sneaking into the campus and started shooting. Investigators used surveillance video to track his movement into a stairwell, across a rooftop, then jumped off the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood.
Investigators found the old imported Mauser bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near campus, in the shooter's escape route, a person familiar with the matter said. There was an empty fired cartridge case in the chamber, and three unfired bullets in the magazine.
The rifle is being turned over to the FBI for DNA and fingerprint analysis.
The FBI has received more than 130 tips and is asking the public to come forward with additional photos or videos. Boles said the FBI characterized the case as an attack on free speech.
"Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the foundation of our democracy," he said.
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason reminded the public to avoid excessive speculation after two people were initially taken away for questioning by police and were ruled out as suspects. He said the pair faced harassment after their names were leaked.
"They are not suspects," Mason said. "They should not have to bear this kind of attention because they are being investigated."
Mason said Kirk's body has been transported to the state medical examiner's office and will be returned to his family on Thursday.
Kirk, 31, is the executive director of the conservative organization Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Trump. At about 12:20 noon on Wednesday, he was shot while speaking at an outdoor student event attended by more than 3,000 people. He was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
The shooting sparked condemnation from all walks of life. Trump called Kirk "a patriot" and ordered flags across the country to be flown at half-staff. Vice President J.D. Vance said on social media that Kirk played a key role in his political career. Former President Joe Biden and Obama also condemned the violence and expressed condolences.
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Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk shot to death at Turning Point USA event in Utah