FBI Offers $100,000 Reward to Track Down Charlie Kirk’s Killer

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced a substantial reward of up to $100,000 (approximately ₹89 lakh) for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. The shocking assassination, which occurred during Kirk’s “The American Comeback Tour,” has sparked widespread outrage and grief, with hashtags like #CharlieKirk and #JusticeForKirk trending on X. As the manhunt intensifies, the FBI has released new video footage and images of a person of interest, urging the public to come forward with any leads to help bring the perpetrator to justice.

Details of the Tragic Shooting

Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead mid-speech at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, in what authorities have described as a targeted assassination. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time, approximately 20 minutes into Kirk’s address, as he responded to a question about transgender mass shooters. A single gunshot, believed to have been fired from a rooftop over 100 yards away, struck Kirk in the neck, causing him to collapse under a tent bearing the slogan “The American Comeback.” Graphic videos circulating online captured the chaos that ensued, with thousands of attendees, including students, fleeing in panic as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, was pronounced dead at a local hospital shortly after the attack. The assassination, which took place in front of a crowd of over 3,000, has drawn bipartisan condemnation and reignited debates about political violence in the United States. Vigils have been held across the country, including at Rudder Plaza on the Texas A&M Campus in College Station and Orem City Center Park near the university, where mourners left flowers, candles, and signs honoring Kirk’s legacy as a vocal advocate for conservative values.

FBI’s $100,000 Reward and Investigation Updates

In a bid to apprehend the suspect, the FBI has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for Kirk’s murder. The agency has provided a dedicated tip line, 1-800-CALL-FBI, and an online portal for submitting photos, videos, or other relevant information. The substantial reward underscores the urgency of the investigation, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox noting that the FBI has received over 7,000 leads and tips, the highest number since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office is working closely with state and local law enforcement to pursue every lead.

On September 11, 2025, the FBI released new video footage showing the suspected shooter running across a rooftop at Utah Valley University, climbing down, and fleeing into a nearby wooded area. The suspect, described as a college-aged individual who “blended in well” with the campus crowd, was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt with an American flag and eagle design, blue jeans, Converse shoes, a black cap, and sunglasses. Authorities also recovered a high-powered, bolt-action Mauser .30-06 caliber rifle equipped with a long-distance scope, wrapped in a towel, from the wooded area where the suspect fled. Additional evidence, including a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints, is being analyzed at the FBI’s laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for latent fingerprints and DNA.

Charlie Kirk’s Legacy and Public Reaction

Charlie Kirk, a charismatic figure in conservative circles, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building a nationwide network of over 850 chapters aimed at mobilizing young conservatives. Known for his outspoken views on abortion, gun control, and race, Kirk was a close ally of President Donald Trump, who announced plans to posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, and two young children, a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief, with vigils held in Phoenix, Arizona, and Boca Raton, Florida, reflecting his widespread influence.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions to Kirk’s assassination, with hashtags like #CharlieKirk and #JusticeForKirk trending alongside discussions about political violence. Supporters have hailed Kirk as a “martyr for truth and freedom,” while critics, including some Democratic lawmakers, have condemned the shooting but faced backlash for perceived politicization. A student at Utah Valley University, Hunter Kozak, who was asking Kirk a question about gun violence moments before the shooting, took to Instagram to denounce the act, stating, “I’m on the record with how much I disagree with Charlie Kirk, but he is still a human being. Have we forgotten that?” The incident has amplified calls for unity, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox urging the public to “put our phones down and spend time with our families” to foster healing.

Investigation Challenges and Misinformation

The FBI’s investigation has faced challenges, including early missteps. On September 10, 2025, FBI Director Kash Patel briefly announced that a suspect was in custody, only to retract the statement hours later, clarifying that the individual had been released after interrogation. Two other persons of interest were detained and subsequently cleared, prompting criticism of the FBI’s communication strategy. Misinformation has also spread rapidly, with social media posts falsely identifying a 77-year-old Canadian man and a Washington state resident as the shooter, highlighting the dangers of unverified claims in high-profile cases.

The FBI has emphasized transparency, releasing four images of the person of interest on September 11, 2025, followed by enhanced video footage the next day. The suspect’s distinctive clothing, including a black T-shirt with an American flag and eagle design, has been highlighted as a key identifier. Authorities believe the shooter scouted the location beforehand, arriving on campus at 11:52 a.m. and accessing the rooftop via a stairwell. The recovered rifle, along with forensic evidence, is expected to provide critical clues, but the suspect remains at large, heightening public anxiety about safety at public events.

Political Ramifications and Calls for Justice

The assassination has intensified concerns about political violence in the US, particularly in the context of recent attacks on public figures. President Trump, who survived an assassination attempt in 2024, linked Kirk’s killing to “radical left” rhetoric, though no motive has been confirmed by investigators. Utah officials, including Governor Cox, have vowed to pursue the death penalty if the suspect is apprehended, with affidavits already being prepared. The involvement of the US Marshals alongside the FBI signals an escalating manhunt, with federal authorities deploying significant resources to track down the perpetrator.

The incident has also sparked broader discussions about campus security and gun laws in Utah, where firearms can be openly carried on college campuses by individuals aged 18 or older with a permit. The lack of robust security at Kirk’s event has drawn criticism, with some arguing that universities must invest in better protective measures for high-profile speakers. Meanwhile, the Indian-American community, while not directly involved, has expressed solidarity with Kirk’s family, drawing parallels to recent violent incidents targeting minorities, such as the beheading of an Indian motel manager in Dallas. The tragedy has underscored the need for unity and vigilance in an increasingly polarized climate.