Charlie Kirk Assassination: Police Share Key Update About Suspect - 'Appears To Be Of College Age'

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Police say the gunman who fatally shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a debate event at Utah Valley University“appears to be of college age” and managed to blend in with the student population before opening fire.

According to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press, the suspect was able to move unnoticed among students and attendees before positioning himself on a nearby rooftop. From there, he fired a single fatal shot at Kirk, 31, as the activist spoke inside the university auditorium on Tuesday night.

Rifle recovered

Investigators confirmed they recovered a high-powered rifle at the scene, believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Officials have not said whether it was abandoned by the gunman or dropped during the escape. Federal, state, and local authorities said they were managing“multiple active crime scenes” as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect, nor confirmed whether he had any ties to the university.

FBI: 'This was a targeted event'

Robert Bohls, the FBI's top agent in Salt Lake City, confirmed the attack was deliberate.“I can tell you this was a targeted event,” Bohls said. Investigators are examining whether the gunman had help and how he managed to blend in with the student population before the shooting.

Political leaders condemn violence

Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a direct political attack.“This is a dark day for our state. It's a tragic day for our nation,” he said Wednesday.“I want to be very clear this is a political assassination.”

Two detained, later released

Authorities initially detained two people in the aftermath of the attack, but both were released after being cleared of involvement. Officials continue to search for the sniper and are urging residents in the surrounding neighborhood to remain alert.

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