Federal authorities are ramping up their investigation into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as the search for the Charlie Kirk killer continues. The FBI announced Thursday that it is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual responsible.

According to Reuters, investigators have recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the shooting, along with forensic evidence including footwear impressions, a palm print, and forearm imprints.

FBI Seeks Help in Identifying Person of Interest

The FBI is seeking help from the public in identifying the “person of interest” responsible for this assassination.

The FBI has also released photos of a man wearing a hat, sunglasses, jeans, and a black shirt featuring the American flag and a bald eagle. Officials are urging the public to submit any tips, photos, or video footage that might aid the investigation by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting the FBI tips page.

Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot at Utah Valley University Event - USA Herald

Timeline of the Shooting

Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday while addressing a large crowd of students outside Utah Valley University. Witnesses said the shooter was positioned on a rooftop before jumping off and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood after firing a single round.

Drone images published by Reuters show the rooftop area where the shooter was reportedly positioned.

Confusion Over Suspect in Custody

FBI Director Kash Patel sparked controversy Wednesday night after announcing that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.” Hours later, Patel clarified that it was only a person of interest who had been detained and later released.

“Our investigation continues and we will continue to release information in the interest of transparency,” Patel wrote on X.

The walk-back prompted criticism from both sides of the political aisle.

“It was amateur hour,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, in comments to HuffPost. “Historically, the FBI keeps its mouth closed until it believes it’s the right time and the right message.”

Ongoing Investigation of Charlie Kirk Killer

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason said investigators have successfully tracked the movements of the shooter and have obtained “good” video footage, though it will not be released to the public at this time.

 A press conference scheduled for Thursday afternoon was abruptly canceled due to what officials called “rapid developments in our investigation.”

The FBI is appealing directly to the public for assistance. “Every lead matters,” said Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls. “We encourage anyone with even the smallest detail to reach out.”

As the manhunt continues, the tragic death of Charlie Kirk has left many mourning his loss and demanding answers about how such a high-profile shooting could happen at a university event.