Charlie Kirk Assassination Triggers Massive Manhunt in Utah: Key Details

A tragic scene unfolded at Utah Valley University on Wednesday when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot while addressing a campus audience. Utah officials later confirmed that Kirk died from his injuries at a nearby hospital.

According to the FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety, the gunman is believed to be of college age. Authorities recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle at the scene and say they have obtained clear surveillance footage of the attacker. Witnesses reported seeing the shooter leap from a building before fleeing into a nearby residential area.

In a statement, President Donald Trump announced he will award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, calling him a “tireless voice for conservative values.”

Kirk, 30, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting conservative politics among young Americans. He also hosted The Charlie Kirk Show, a nationally syndicated Salem radio program and top-ranking podcast.

Police confirmed that two individuals were detained and later released in connection with the investigation. The primary suspect remains at large, prompting a statewide manhunt.

The FBI has circulated images of a person of interest described as wearing jeans, a long-sleeved shirt featuring an American flag graphic, a hat, and dark sunglasses.