Manhunt Underway After Charlie Kirk Assassination at Utah Valley University

On Thursday morning, Utah State Police established a perimeter around the Losee Center at Utah Valley University as the search for the individual responsible for the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk continued. Authorities had previously confirmed that the fatal shot originated from the roof of a campus building, approximately 200 yards from where Kirk was speaking.

While authorities had not confirmed the shots originated from the Losee Center on Wednesday, state police vehicles were stationed outside the building on Thursday as investigators conducted their work. Eyewitness videos from Wednesday showed a person dressed in dark clothing running on a campus building.

According to Beau Mason, Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner, the suspect's movements were tracked, including their path onto the campus through stairwells, onto the roof, and to the location where the shots were fired. Following the shooting, the suspect was tracked as they moved to the other side of the building, jumped off, and fled the campus into a nearby neighborhood. Mason stated that authorities have "good video footage" of the shooter on the roof.

The university's website indicated that the campus is closed until Monday, September 15th. While students were advised to stay away, media and law enforcement remained on campus. Journalists were permitted to drive through the campus on Thursday, but the perimeter around the Losee Center, marked by Utah State Police vehicles, indicated an ongoing investigation.

The Losee Center for Student Success, a student resource center, was the focus of the investigation. The Utah Department of Public Safety described the investigation as "fast-moving and constantly evolving." As of Thursday afternoon, law enforcement was pursuing multiple leads, and no suspect was in custody.

A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled. The FBI is analyzing the weapon, which reportedly includes inscriptions and symbols. Investigators have also collected footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.

Investigators have searched nearby neighborhoods, contacting residents with doorbell cameras and seeking witness information. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the shooter's identification and arrest. A press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon was canceled due to "rapid developments in our investigation.