FBI Offers $100,000 Reward for Information in Charlie Kirk Murder Case as Manhunt Continues
Federal authorities have announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons responsible for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The investigation remains active and a manhunt is underway after local and federal law enforcement released images of a person of interest and recovered what investigators believe to be the murder weapon. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What investigators have disclosed
Authorities say Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot at a public appearance on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The FBI and local law enforcement have been leading a coordinated investigation into the shooting. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
As part of the probe, the FBI released photos of a person of interest captured on video in proximity to the scene — a figure wearing a cap and sunglasses who appeared in a stairwell — and appealed to the public for tips that might identify the individual. Authorities stress the images are part of ongoing efforts to develop leads. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Reward announced
The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office publicly announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the person(s) responsible for Kirk’s murder. Officials asked anyone with video, photos, or other relevant information to contact the FBI tip line immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Evidence recovered at and near the scene
Investigators reported finding what they believe to be the murder weapon — described as a high-powered bolt-action rifle — abandoned in a wooded area near the campus, along with additional rounds. Forensic teams have also recovered a palm print and shoe impressions that are being examined. Media reporting indicates some of the recovered ammunition had inscriptions that investigators described as politically charged; that aspect of the evidence is under active forensic review. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Timeline of the incident and immediate response
- September 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at a scheduled event on the UVU campus. Campus security and local police responded immediately.
- Within hours: The shooter was last seen fleeing the area — reportedly off a rooftop into nearby vegetation — and the campus was placed on lockdown as officers searched the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Next day: Federal investigators joined local agencies; the FBI posted images of a person of interest and announced the reward while forensic teams processed the scene. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Public reaction and political context
The killing of Charlie Kirk — a high-profile and polarizing political activist — immediately drew national attention and bipartisan condemnation. Political leaders across the spectrum denounced the shooting and called for calm while law enforcement conducts its investigation. Media coverage has focused both on the manhunt and the potential ramifications for political discourse and campus safety. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk,” the FBI’s Salt Lake City office said when it shared the images publicly. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
What the reward means legally and practically
A monetary reward does not replace investigative work, but it is a tool to encourage members of the public to come forward with time-sensitive evidence (such as dash-cam footage, phone video, or eyewitness observations). The FBI’s reward program typically supplements local offers and can be authorized quickly when federal investigators believe public cooperation could produce decisive leads. Tips that lead to arrests and successful prosecutions may qualify for reward payment subject to FBI rules and verification. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Safety guidance and warnings about misinformation
In fast-moving cases like this, social media can spread unverified claims. Law enforcement urges the public to share only verified information with investigators and to avoid posting unverified accusations that could impede the probe or harm innocent people. Anyone with potentially useful material should contact the FBI tip line rather than public forums. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Next steps in the investigation
Investigators have said they are following up on multiple leads, processing forensic evidence recovered at the scene, and canvassing witnesses. Authorities also continue to search the broader area where the suspect may have fled and are coordinating with federal partners to locate and apprehend the individual(s) responsible. Media outlets reporting on the story indicate law enforcement is confident the released images and recovered evidence will help produce actionable leads. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
About Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator known for campus activism and national media appearances. His death has reverberated through political and media communities, prompting demands for a thorough and transparent investigation while leaders call for restraint amid heightened tensions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- FBI — Salt Lake City press release and dedicated investigation page (reward announcement and contact info). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Associated Press — live coverage of the shooting and evidence recovered. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- The Guardian — reporting on the release of images and broader context. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- ABC News — details on images released and the FBI appeal for tips. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Time Magazine — timeline and analysis of the manhunt and investigation. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}