The FBI has recovered a “high-powered bolt-action rifle” near the campus of Utah Valley University following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk at his “The American Comeback” tour stop on Wednesday.
Robert Bohls, the FBI special agent in charge, revealed the news in a press conference Thursday morning, adding the weapon was located in a wooded area.
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He also told media investigators have collected a palm imprint, a forearm imprint and a “footwear impression” belonging to the suspect — a male — that will be sent for analysis.
Bohls said the gunman “blended in well” with college students and appears to be of “college age.” He noted they will not be releasing a further description at this point as investigators continue to scrub through footage.
Authorities also confirmed during the presser the shooting was a targeted event and that they have a timeline of the individual’s movements.
They know the suspect entered UVU’s campus at approximately 11:52 AM, and made his way to the roof of the building from which he shot Charlie. The shooter then sprinted across the roof, jumped off the building and fled into a nearby neighborhood once the shot was fired, investigators say.
Plenty of questions remain about the entire incident. Dispatch audio reveals responders were looking for someone in all black following the shooting, but does not confirm that this is the description of the shooter.
Two people have been detained and released by authorities, and the FBI has asked anyone with information to come forward. They are working with local and state law enforcement on the case.
As mentioned above, Charlie was in the middle of a tour when he was senselessly killed. He was heading to Colorado State University next.
He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and 2 young children.
