ISLAMABAD: U.S. law enforcement agencies have recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a university event in Utah earlier this week.
 
Despite the discovery, the shooter remains at large, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
 
Suspect fleeing scene captured on video
The Utah Department of Public Safety released new surveillance footage on Thursday, showing a suspect dressed in black, wearing a hat and sunglasses, fleeing the scene.


The video shows the person scaling a building, crossing a street, and heading into a wooded area near where investigators later recovered the rifle and matching ammunition.
 
Authorities believe the weapon is the same one used in the attack that killed Kirk, a prominent figure in conservative political circles and founder of Turning Point USA.
 
7,000 tips, $100,000 reward
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said that local and federal authorities have received over 7,000 tips and conducted more than 200 interviews since the shooting. The governor confirmed that the state will pursue the death penalty against the perpetrator once apprehended.
 
Cox also announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
 
“We urge anyone who recognizes the individual in the footage or photos to contact the FBI immediately,” Cox said, though he did not take questions during the press briefing.
 
‘Person of interest’ images released
The FBI’s Salt Lake City office released two images of what they are calling a “person of interest” in the case. The individual is seen wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, a hat, and sunglasses. Officials stopped short of labeling the person as the shooter but confirmed the images are tied to the ongoing investigation.
 
“This is a critical moment in the investigation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We’re calling on the public’s help to identify this individual. Even the smallest piece of information could be vital.”
 
President Trump, political fallout
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded swiftly to the killing, blaming “the radical left” for what he called a politically motivated act of violence.
 
Trump announced plans to posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
 
The killing has sparked political outcry, with many conservatives calling it an attack on free speech. No motive has been confirmed by investigators.