The FBI has released two photos of a “person of interest” in the deadly shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk in Utah as a manhunt continues for the killer.
The images show someone who was wearing a black baseball cap, black long-sleeved shirt, black trousers and sunglasses.
FBI officials in the Salt Lake City office did not say if the person of interest was believed to be the gunman.
Follow the latest updates on Charlie Kirk’s killing
Earlier, authorities said the sniper was thought to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighbourhood after firing one shot, and has not been identified.
They also said the suspect was a male who “appears to be of college age” and blended in on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem where Mr Kirk was killed.
Mr Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing influencer, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to university students at an event. He died in hospital after being shot.
The rifle suspected of being used in the shooting has been found.
In a briefing on Thursday, FBI agent Robert Bohls said: “I can tell you that we have recovered what we believe is the weapon that was used in yesterday’s shooting… is a high-powered bolt action rifle.
“That rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the shooter had fled. The FBI laboratory will be analysing this weapon.”
Mr Bohls added that they also found an “impression of a palm print and forearm imprints for analysis”.
Beau Mason, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said the suspect “appears to be of college age” and “blended in well with a college institution”.
“We are confident in our abilities to track that individual,” he added.
Mr Mason reiterated “we are doing everything we can to find him”, but added: “We’re not sure how far he has gone yet”.
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Who was Charlie Kirk?
Moment gunshot heard at university event – Watch
The father-of-two was the chief executive and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent organisation that engages conservative youth on school campuses.
He had millions of followers across social media.
Mr Kirk and Turning Point USA played a key role in driving youth support for Mr Trump in last November’s presidential election. His events at college campuses nationwide typically drew large crowds.
Many people listened both in person and online to Mr Kirk, as he advocated for conservatism among younger generations and became a leading voice in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Mr Kirk while on stage at a 9/11 memorial event in Virginia, saying he would be awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Mr Trump said.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children.”
The president said “we miss him greatly” and added that he has no doubt his voice and “the courage he put into the hearts of countless people will live on”.
