The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Thursday released the first photos of Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin, asking for the public’s help in identifying “the person of interest”.“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” FBI Salt Lake City posted on X.Kirk, the 31-year-old CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was addressing students under a tent at the university’s Sorensen Centre courtyard when a single gunshot rang out. Video footage captured him collapsing as shocked spectators screamed and fled the scene. The slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong” were emblazoned on the tent, marking the launch of his national college tour. Tributes and condemnation poured in from across the political spectrum. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, described him as “a very, very good friend” and said that “no one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” He ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening. Former President Barack Obama also weighed in, calling the shooting “despicable” and offering prayers to Kirk’s wife and children.Trump on Thursday (Wednesday in the US) also announced his government would posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at a campus in Utah.The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in America.“I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said.
