Photos released of person of interest in Charlie Kirk shooting

(NewsNation) — Federal investigators have released photos of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of conservative political activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.

Salt Lake City’s FBI bureau is asking for the public’s help identifying the person, who appears to be wearing a dark baseball cap and a shirt with an American flag and eagle. A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect, the FBI said.

Kirk, 31, was hit by a single bullet during an event at Utah Valley University as part of his “American Comeback Tour.”

Photos: Person of interest in Charlie Kirk shooting

The update came after conflicting statements from law enforcement on whether a suspect had been apprehended in the hours immediately following the shooting.

Charlie Kirk shot at Utah university

Kirk was shot and killed while speaking before a crowd at the university as he debated college students on politics.

Witnesses described chaos as people fled after a single gunshot was fired, striking Kirk in the neck. Kirk was taken offstage by his personal security team and rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Although event security included Kirk’s personal security team along with six uniformed police officers and additional plainclothes officers, the shooter managed to escape.

What do we know about Charlie Kirk shooting suspect?

FBI special agent in charge Robert Bohls said investigators would not comment on whether they have determined the suspect’s identity.

“The suspect blended in well with the community,” Bohls said, noting the suspect appeared to be of college age.

Investigators said they were unsure how far the suspect may have fled.

Law enforcement response to Charlie Kirk shooting

Initially, the university said a suspect was in custody. Later, authorities said the person detained was not involved and that the suspect remained at large.

A second person was detained and questioned later in the evening, but was later released.

Investigators said neither of the two people detained Wednesday was involved in the shooting and asked the public not to harass them.

Authorities said a single shot was fired from a rooftop about 200 yards away, and the shooter then jumped off the building and fled the campus through a nearby neighborhood.

Beau Mason, commissioner of Utah’s Department of Public Safety, said police have “good video footage” of the suspect, but police have not released the footage or the suspect’s identity.

Investigators asked anyone in the neighborhood to share security or doorbell camera footage to assist in the investigation.

High-powered, bolt-action rifle used in Charlie Kirk shooting: Officials

Officials announced Thursday they had also recovered the weapon they believe was used in Kirk’s death: a high-powered, bolt-action rifle.

Investigators recovered the weapon in the woods near campus, though officials on Thursday said the woods have been secured and they don’t believe the shooter is there.