FBI Releases Photos Of 'Person Of Interest' In Shooting Of Charlie Kirk

OREM, UTAH — Law enforcement officials said Thursday that the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who is still at large, "appears to be of college age," and the FBI's Salt Lake City office released two photos of a person they are calling a person of interest in the case.

Late Thursday morning, the FBI released the images, asking for the public's help in identifying the man. The agency also announced a $100,000 reward in exchange for information leading to identification of the shooter.

The Associated Press is reporting the Utah Department of Public Safety has canceled a 12:45 p.m. (local time) news conference citing "rapid developments in our investigation." An updated time will be released later Thursday, according to authorities.

The FBI said the shooter "blended in" with students on the college campus.

Investigators found what they believe was the murder weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, in a wooded area where the shooter fled, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls. A palm print, forearm print and shoe print were also found in their search for the suspect, according to Bohls.

The weapon, a Mauser .30 caliber bolt-action rifle, was found hidden in a towel in a wooded area near the university campus, with a spent cartridge in the chamber and three other rounds in it, according to the Associated Press. Investigators also reportedly found what they suspect to be the shooter’s path as they fled the scene.

"They have a virtual manhunt out there. So we'll see what happens," President Donald Trump said Thursday after attending a 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Pentagon, reports The Associated Press. "We hope we get 'em."

Two persons of interest were interviewed following the shooting Wednesday, but were later released and cleared.

Search For Charlie Kirk's Killer Continues, 2nd Person Of Interest Released

The person who fatally shot Kirk targeted him at an event on a Utah college campus, said Bohls.

Kirk, 31, a native of Arlington Heights, was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. Video from the event shows Kirk falling from his chair as a shot was fired in his lower neck.

The FBI has set up a digital media tip line for information regarding this shooting. That tip line is fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting.

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