Seattle, Washington– The FBI has recovered a “high-powered bolt action rifle” believed to have been used in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist and ally of US President Donald Trump.
The rifle was found in a wooded area where the shooter fled, and the FBI laboratory will analyze the weapon. Investigators have also collected footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.
The manhunt for the shooter continues, with authorities describing the suspect as “blended in” and “appears to be of college age”.
The FBI has received over 130 tips, which are being fully investigated. Utah safety officials have asked the public to be “patient” as they search for the shooter, and warned against harassing federal and state officers involved in the investigation.
Given the description of the blending in, it is possible the attacker could be in the crowd before moving to a more convenient place for the assignment.
Forensic analysis is expected to reveal the identity behind the fingerprints on the recovered items. This no doubt will assist the FBI in identifying the killer.
President Trump announced that he will award Charlie Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom. “The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing, that we will have a very big crowd,” Trump said. Kirk was a “giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump added.
The shooting has sparked widespread condemnation, with European far-right leaders heaping praise on Kirk and claiming his death was a consequence of violent left-wing rhetoric.
Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally party, denounced what he called the “dehumanising rhetoric of the left and its intolerance”, which he said “fuel political violence”.
The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety are leading the investigation, with assistance from other agencies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to identify the shooter and determine the motive behind the attack.
Trump paid tribute to Kirk, saying, “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Kirk’s death has sparked an outpouring of support from conservatives, with many praising his advocacy for conservative values.
Trump attended a ceremony at the Pentagon to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In his remarks, Trump referenced the attacks, saying, “that terrible morning, 24 years ago, time itself stood still.”
He also praised America’s resilience, saying, “In America, we take blows, but we never buckle, we bleed, but we do not bow, and we defy the fear, endure the flames and emerge from the crucible of every hunch and stronger, prouder and greater than ever before.”
The investigation into Charlie Kirk’s shooting continues, with authorities working to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The investigation into Kirk’s killing is expected to be robust, leaving no trail.
This is happening at time the United States President, Donald Trump is engulfed in controversy regarding the deployment of national troops declaring that the streets of America are unsafe and security has to be bolstered.
Critics have argued, more convincingly that Mr. President’s attempted to deploy national troops was to subjugate and silence opposition parties and that America is safe enough and needs no national guard policing.
The untimely death of Trump’s ally may have in way, validate Mr. President’s rhetorics about the necessity of deploying national guard.
Conversely, critics argue that many cases of shootings have occured on the streets of America in recent times which did not warrant deployment of national guard. Therefore that of Trump’s ally should not be thrown up as a defense in this regard.
Regardless, the incident has sparked widespread debate and discussion about political violence and the need for civility in public discourse.