‘High-powered rifle’ believed to have been used in assassination of Charlie Kirk located near UVU campus, officials say

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — An FBI Special Agent and a DPS Commissioner spoke at a press conference at Utah Valley University Thursday morning. The officials provided updates on the investigation into the assassination of conservative influencer, Charlie Kirk.

“We do have good video footage of this individual,” Department of Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said. “We are not sure how far he has gone yet.”

Officials say the individual suspected of killing Kirk arrived on campus at 11:52 a.m., shortly before the event began at noon.

Federal agents enter UVU during active shooter situation. (Courtesy//MJ Jewkes)

Commissioner Mason said investigators have found camera footage that follows the individual’s path onto a nearby roof where he is believed to have fire the single shot, killing Kirk. Footage shows the individual leave the roof and flee into a nearby neighborhood.

Officials will not be releasing the footage at this time.

“We have recovered what we believe to be the weapon used,” FBI Special Agent in Charge, Robert Bohles, said during the press conference. The weapon was described as a “high-powered, bolt action rifle” that was found in a wooded area near the site of the assassination.

Mason said the suspect “blended in well with the institution” and officials believe he may have been “college aged.”

“As of this morning, we have received over 130 tips. We thank the community for that,” Bohles added. “Any attack on the first amendment is an attack on our democracy.”

The FBI released the names of both men who were taken into custody as part of the investigation into Kirk’s death. The first man taken into custody, George Zinn, was later released and charged with obstruction by UVU police.

The second suspect who was taken into custody was named Zachariah Qureshi. He was also released after an interrogation with law enforcement.

“There are no current ties to the shooting with either of these individuals. There is an ongoing investigation and manhunt for the shooter,” Utah DPS said in a press release.

“The family is devastated,” Mason said during Thursday’s press conference. “The heinous event that happened yesterday is not Utah.”

FBI agents are currently analyzing the rifle as well as possible “foot ware impression” and “palm print” found near the scene of the assassination.

Anyone with individual is asked to provide their tips to the FBI’s tipline here.

Initial Coverage — (9/10/2025)

Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer, has been shot while at a rally on the Utah Valley University campus. President Donald Trump and Gov. Cox say that he has passed away.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was appearing for the American Comeback Tour hosted by the Turning Point USA chapter at UVU. The event was being held at 12 p.m. in the UVU Courtyard. A petition was created to protest Charlie Kirk’s planned appearances at UVU and Utah State University.

According to a UVU spokesperson, at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, “a single shot rang out in the quad near the food court” at the UVU Orem campus as Charlie Kirk began speaking at his event. Kirk was hit and transported to the hospital.

Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this reporting.