Charlie Kirk assassination was a ‘professional hit,’ says ex-FBI agent

Authorities are intensifying their search for the suspect who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, with investigative details suggesting the attack may have been a professional hit.

FBI Investigates Rooftop Shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

Law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are carrying out an urgent manhunt after the assassination of Charlie Kirk during an outdoor speaking event on Wednesday. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was addressing a crowd of roughly 3,000 when a single gunshot rang out, striking him in the upper chest or neck area and resulting in his death. The attack occurred from a significant distance; forensic teams believe the shot originated from the rooftop of the Losee Center, about 150–200 yards from the stage.

Suspect and Shooting Details

According to officials, the only confirmed information about the suspect comes from campus closed-circuit TV. The shooter was dressed in dark clothing, possibly including jeans and a black mask, and was seen perched on the rooftop with a long rifle before firing one shot and quickly fleeing the scene by jumping from the roof. The person’s identity, gender, and further descriptions remain unknown, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information.

Forensic Evidence and Manhunt

Investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, from nearby woods. They are analyzing forensic evidence including a palm print, footwear impressions, and shell casing, and are employing trajectory lasers to reconstruct precisely how the shot was taken. Two individuals initially taken into custody were later released after officials determined they were not connected to the shooting.

Evidence Suggests a Professional Hit

Both law enforcement officials and security analysts have commented on the apparent professionalism of the attack:

• The shooter fired a single, well-aimed shot at a moving target from an elevated and distant position, displaying advanced marksmanship and discipline by not firing more rounds despite having the opportunity.
• The suspect appears to have surveyed the area ahead of time, determined entry and escape routes, and executed the shooting swiftly with minimal exposure.
• This precision, along with the shooter’s ability to quickly escape and evade immediate capture, has led officials to consider the possibility that the killing was the work of a trained or professional individual.

Community and Political Response

Utah Valley University officials closed the campus and evacuated students and staff. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a “political assassination,” and national leaders across the spectrum condemned the violence. The FBI, Utah Department of Public Safety, and local police continue to canvass neighborhoods and review campus footage, urging anyone with tips, images, or video evidence to contact law enforcement immediately.

Law enforcement agencies stress there is no evidence of an ongoing threat to the community, but the investigation is ongoing and the suspect remains at large. This story will be updated as new details emerge.