Charlie Kirk, one of Donald Trump’s most loyal allies and the co-founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while addressing students at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old political activist, who was known as a top podcaster and a leading culture warrior, was speaking about gun violence when he was killed. The attack has shocked American politics, bringing fresh focus on security around political figures. Here are 10 things to know so far: FBI releases footage of person of interestAuthorities shared images of a person in a hat, sunglasses and black long-sleeve shirt with a backpack, seen fleeing the scene. Two people initially detained after the shooting were released, and investigators are now appealing for public help to track this suspect.JD Vance escorts Kirk’s body homeVice President JD Vance accompanied Kirk’s flag-draped casket aboard Air Force Two to Arizona. His wife Usha Vance walked hand-in-hand with Kirk’s widow Erika, who the couple’s two children joined. On arrival, Phoenix air traffic control broadcast, “Welcome home, Charlie. You didn’t deserve it… May God bless your family.”Security tightened for TrumpIn the aftermath of the brutal incident, additional security was arranged around Donald Trump. A Pentagon 9/11 ceremony was moved indoors, and extra measures were added for his visit to Yankee Stadium. Asked if he feared for his safety, Trump said, “not really.”FBI announces $100,000 rewardInvestigators are offering up to $100,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. A bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered nearby, along with spent and live rounds. The weapon is under analysis at a federal lab.Footprints and palm print left behindAuthorities revealed the shooter left behind footprints and a palm print while fleeing across the campus roof and into the woods. The rifle was also found wrapped in a towel, providing investigators with critical evidence.FBI received over 7,000 leads: Kash PatelFBI Director Kash Patel initially said a suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting was “in custody,” but the person was later released. Critics called the statement premature and unprofessional. Patel stressed the investigation is ongoing, with a reward offered and images of a person of interest released. “We have people all over the country trying to bring this perpetrator to justice,” he said, noting the FBI has received over 7,000 leads and tips.A prayer from Pete HegsethSecretary of War Pete Hegseth paid tribute, saying, “We lost an incredible American today.” He offered prayers in front of a platoon of soldiers.Kirk was addressing gun violenceThe shooting occurred during the first stop of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” at the Sorensen Centre. The event had sparked petitions and debate, but the university defended its decision to host him on free speech grounds.Condemnation across political linesDonald Trump led tributes after Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting, calling him “a great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” and ordering flags to be flown at half-staff. Former President Barack Obama also condemned the violence, saying it had “no place in our democracy” while sending prayers to Kirk’s family. California governor Gavin Newsom, who had once hosted Kirk on his podcast, described the killing as “sick, disgusting and reprehensible,” urging the need for civil discourse even amid political divides.Other senior figures across the spectrum also expressed shock. Former vice-president Kamala Harris said she and her husband were “deeply disturbed” and stressed that political violence should have no place in America. Senator Elizabeth Warren called the shooting “nothing short of horrific,” offering sympathy to Kirk’s family and students present at the event. Turning Point USA tributeKirk’s organisation released a video montage of his life captioned: “A Life of Faith, A Legacy That Endures: Remembering Charlie Kirk.” Founded in 2012, TPUSA has been a strong force in shaping right-wing youth activism in the US.
