Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced on Thursday that officials have been inundated with over 7,000 digital tips and leads in the investigation of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s shooting death, which he mentioned is the highest since the 2013 Boston Marathon incident.
Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically shot on the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday afternoon. He was in critical condition upon arrival at the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
A massive manhunt is underway for the suspect, who has not been identified.
“Our ability to perform our duties relies heavily on the public’s cooperation at this time. The community has indeed responded to our call for assistance. Up to now, we’ve gathered upwards of 7,000 tips and leads,” Cox stated during a news briefing, expressing hope that newly disclosed photos and videos would prompt further tips.
Shortly before the news conference, state officials also released new photos of the person of interest.
The individual in question was seen descending steps carrying a black backpack and wearing a shirt printed with what appeared to be an American flag and a Bald Eagle.
Four recently released photographs indicate the person of interest connected to the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Utah Public Safety)
Earlier on Thursday, the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office distributed two photographs depicting the person wearing the same shirt, along with a baseball cap and sunglasses.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the images were pulled from campus security footage shortly before the shooting.
Second lady Usha Vance holds the hand of Charlie Kirk’s wife as they deplane Air Force Two while escorting the body of Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
Officials said the person of interest appeared to be of college age and blended in with students on campus.
The FBI also said on Thursday that a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered. A “high-powered bolt action rifle” was located in a wooded area near where the shooting happened.
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance escorted Kirk’s casket before the flight on Air Force Two from Utah to Kirk’s home state of Arizona. Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve, was seen visibly emotional as the casket passed before her.
The second lady held Frantzve’s hand as they stepped off the aircraft before Kirk’s body was taken to a funeral home.
