Authorities Recover Rifle Used to Assassinate Charlie Kirk

Authorities have confirmed the recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk. The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. MT during an event at Utah Valley University. Despite immediate medical attention, Kirk was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a local hospital.

In a press briefing, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bowles announced that the weapon was located in a wooded area near the university, where the suspect had fled. The FBI is currently conducting a thorough analysis of the rifle, alongside other evidence such as a footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints.

Beau Mason, Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner, stated that the suspect had effectively blended in with the college environment. “We were able to track the movements of the shooter,” Mason explained, detailing how the individual arrived on campus shortly before the shooting. “Starting at 11:52 a.m., we tracked his movements onto the campus, through the stairwells, up to the roof to a shooting location.”

The police reported that after the shooting, the suspect jumped off the roof and escaped. Investigators are analyzing video surveillance footage from the campus and surrounding neighborhoods to identify the assailant.

Shortly after the incident, authorities detained a man identified as George Zinn, who was later released after it became clear he did not match the description of the shooter. Zinn has been charged with obstruction of justice, with Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill describing him as “odd but harmless.” Another suspect was also taken into custody but subsequently released after questioning.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed via social media that the investigation is ongoing and emphasized the importance of transparency in releasing information to the public.

In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, a 77-year-old man from Canada, Michael Mallinson, was mistakenly identified as a suspect on social media. Mallinson, who was in Toronto at the time, expressed his shock at being implicated in the murder.

The shooting took place during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” which aimed to engage university students in discussions on various contentious topics, including gun control and abortion. The event at Utah Valley University attracted approximately 3,000 attendees.

Authorities have classified the shooting as a targeted attack, with the suspect believed to have fired from a rooftop into the public gathering in the student courtyard. Despite the presence of six officers from the university’s police department and Kirk’s own security team, only one shot was fired, resulting in Kirk being the sole victim.

As the investigation continues, the Orem Police Department has urged anyone with information to contact the FBI’s digital tip line. The tragic event has sparked discussions about safety on college campuses and the rising tensions surrounding political discourse in public settings.