FBI releases footage of suspect fleeing scene after fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Authorities in Utah have released new video footage showing the suspect who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk fleeing the scene on 10 September 2025.

The footage, made public by the FBI and Utah officials, shows an individual running across a rooftop — believed to be the location from which the fatal shot was fired — before dropping several feet to the ground and escaping from view.

The suspect was dressed in sunglasses, Converse shoes, and a distinctive black T-shirt emblazoned with an American flag and eagle motif.

The FBI has offered a reward of up to US$100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the perpetrator.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox urged the public to assist investigators, confirming that more than 7,000 leads and tips had already been received.

“We cannot do our job without the public’s help,” Cox said during a press briefing. “We are determined to catch this assassin and hold him accountable.”

He also stated that Utah would be prepared to pursue the death penalty once the suspect is apprehended and charged.

Kirk’s body flown home to Arizona

According to the BBC, Kirk’s body was flown to Arizona, where he lived with his family, aboard the U.S. vice-president’s aircraft, Air Force Two.

Vice-President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, accompanied the coffin during the flight. The transfer took place late Thursday night, following a private ceremony in Utah.

The shooting at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University (UVU) on 10 September.

The incident occurred shortly after noon as Kirk was addressing a crowd under a large outdoor tent as part of his national “American Comeback Tour.”

Video footage widely shared on social media shows Kirk being struck in the neck mid-sentence before collapsing. Screams and panic followed as attendees fled and security personnel rushed to his side.

Authorities later confirmed that a single shot had been fired from a nearby rooftop building.

Former President Donald Trump, who maintained a close relationship with Kirk, announced his death on Truth Social, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me.”

Just hours before the shooting, Kirk had posted on X (formerly Twitter): “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.”

The tour was set to include 15 universities, with the next stop scheduled for Colorado State University on 18 September.

Trump announces posthumous honour

During a speech at the Pentagon on 11 September marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Trump announced that Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour.

“Charlie was a patriot who loved his country deeply,” Trump said. “He will forever be remembered for his courage and conviction.”

The White House confirmed that the date of the ceremony would be announced at a later time.

Turning Point USA pays tribute

Turning Point USA, the organisation Kirk founded in 2012, expressed its grief in a statement released on social media.

“Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk,” the statement read.

The group described Kirk as a man whose “energy and drive were awe-inspiring, unmatched, and deeply infectious.”

“Charlie loved America, its people, its constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good they have done for the world,” the statement continued. “Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old, age shall not weary him.”

Vigils held nationwide

Across the United States, vigils were held on the evening of 12 September in memory of Kirk. Gatherings took place in cities including Phoenix, Dallas, and Nashville, with attendees lighting candles and reciting prayers.

In Arizona, hundreds gathered at the state capitol, where Turning Point USA supporters displayed banners reading “Stand for Freedom” and “Carry Charlie’s Torch.”

Kirk’s family issued a statement thanking supporters for their condolences and calling for unity.

“Charlie believed in debate, not division,” the family said. “He would not want his death to be used to fuel anger or hate. He wanted Americans to listen to one another, even when they disagreed.”

Investigation continues

The FBI has stated that the newly released footage provides critical leads in identifying the suspect. Agents are also reviewing additional surveillance material from surrounding buildings.

Investigators said they believe the shooter acted alone, using a high-powered rifle positioned on the rooftop. Forensic teams are analysing shell casings and ballistics evidence recovered at the scene.

Officials are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line or submit leads online.

Governor Cox reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring justice. “This crime was not only against a man,” he said, “but against the right to speak freely without fear of violence.”