Young and used a rifle. Who will be Kirk's shooter?

One of the biggest unknowns surrounding Charlie Kirk's death is who is the shooter who shot and killed the conservative political activist this Wednesday? U.S. authorities have already arrested two suspects, but they were released after questioning.

Two videos from witnesses at the scene were released on social media—verified by the BBC and Australian broadcaster ABC—in which it can be seen that the shooter was on top of a building when he shot Charlie Kirk. However, because they were recorded remotely, the identity of the prime suspect, who was wearing black clothing at the time of the crime, is unclear.

???? Breaking update:: The shooter targeting #CharlieKirk was seen on the rooftop. Video evidence captures him fleeing right after the gunshot. #CharlieKirkshot #CharlieKirkdead pic.twitter.com/bjWTPnvskl

— Wasim Reja (@Wasimsampa3) September 11, 2025

Charlie Kirk Shooter spotted on the roof wearing all black prior to the shooting but guess it wasn't reported? pic.twitter.com/dKGTv8ITBp

—DR. DGNDAN (@DGN_DAN) September 10, 2025

This Thursday, at a press conference, authorities provided more details about the alleged killer. He appears to be young and "integrated well" into the university environment. "This individual appears to be college-aged," said Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, adding that police are "confident" in their ability to locate the individual.

At the same press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge of Charlie Kirk's murder, Robert Bohls, announced that what is believed to be the "weapon used in the shooting" had been recovered. It was a "high-powered rifle" that "was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled." The FBI laboratory is analyzing this weapon wrapped in a towel.

Citing sources close to the investigation, the Wall Street Journal reported that authorities found ammunition from the rifle allegedly used in the crime, bearing inscriptions of anti-fascist and transgender rights slogans.

"Investigators also collected footwear, fingerprints, and forearm impressions for analysis," said Robert Bohls, who emphasized that images and videos of the individual are being used to locate him. The FBI agent detailed that they were able to "track the shooter's movements starting at 11:52 a.m. local time."

"This individual arrived on campus , a short distance from campus . We followed his movements inside, through the stairs, to the roof, across the roof, to the shooting scene," Robert Bohls described, adding that after the shooting, "he fled the campus and entered a residential neighborhood."

The investigation is ongoing. However, the shooter remains at large. "We're doing everything we can to find him. We're not sure how far he's gone, but we'll do our best," said Robert Bohls, who didn't respond to a question about whether the FBI had yet discovered where the rifle had been purchased. "We're working on it."

Shortly after the shooting, a man who was on the Utah Valley University campus attending Charlie Kirk's event was detained by authorities. But he was later released.

Moments later, on X, the FBI director again announced that they had arrested another suspect believed to have been involved in the crime. However, Kash Patel took to social media to indicate that this person was "released following questioning by authorities."

The FBI opened a hotline hours after the crime to receive tips on the shooter's identity and whereabouts. So far, 130 tips have been received.