FBI Releases Suspect Images in Charlie Kirk Case, $100K Reward Announced

What Happened

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA “Prove Me Wrong” event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. The shot was fired from a rooftop approximately 200 yards away from where Kirk was speaking. Authorities believe the attack was targeted.

FBI Releases Images & Video of Person of Interest

• On September 11, federal and state law enforcement agencies, including the FBI Salt Lake City field office and the Utah Department of Public Safety, released surveillance images and video of a person of interest in the case. 

• The suspect appears college-aged, wearing a long-sleeved shirt with an American flag design, sunglasses, a dark cap, and a backpack. 

• In video footage, the person is seen climbing down from the roof after the shooting and leaving the scene. 

Evidence & Investigation Details

• Law enforcement recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon. 

• Forensic evidence collected includes:
    • Shoe impressions, palm print, and forearm imprints from the rooftop area. 
    • Surveillance video and imagery showing distinct clothing. 

Public Assistance & Reward

• Authorities have asked the public to help—anyone with information (tips, videos, photos) is encouraged to contact the FBI.

• A reward up to $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible. 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible for the murder of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Contact 1-800-CALL-FBI and submit photos and… pic.twitter.com/ReuzFhdm0H

— FBI (@FBI) September 11, 2025

Suspect Status & Other Key Updates

• No suspect is currently in custody. Two earlier detentions have been made but those individuals were released after questioning. 

• Officials have emphasized that the person of interest blended in among students on campus. 

• State officials, including Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox, have stated that they will pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial.

What We Don’t Yet Know

• The motive behind the shooting remains unconfirmed. Investigators have mentioned preliminary findings (e.g. inscriptions on recovered cartridges expressing ideological messages), but those details are not yet verified. 

• The identity of the suspect remains unknown. No arrest warrant has been confirmed.

Why This Case Matters

• The killing of Charlie Kirk has ignited national debate over political violence, security at political/speech events, and how ideological divides are manifesting in violent acts.

• The responsiveness of law enforcement (video release, images, reward) and public interest both reflect modern dynamics of social media, surveillance tech, and how quickly information is disseminated.

• Legal consequences such as seeking the death penalty make this case especially significant in U.S. criminal justice discussions.

Quick Facts Summary