Suspect still at large in Kirk assassination as FBI chiefs head to scene

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

As the manhunt continues for the person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump says investigators are “making big progress” in the investigation as the FBI chiefs head to Utah.

Investigators were poised to host a press conference Thursday afternoon, but postponed it, citing “rapid developments” in the case.

Multiple reports indicate that FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino will be joining investigators on the ground in Orem, Utah, the site of Wednesday’s shooting.

As of Thursday afternoon, authorities confirmed the search “for any and all potential suspects” related to the case continues and that they are investigating “multiple leads” as the manhunt for the suspect continues.

As the search continues, Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance canceled an appearance in New York City to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks to fly to Utah to offer their condolences to Kirk’s widow, Erika, and family. The Second Couple will reportedly escort Kirk’s coffin and family back to Phoenix, the Kirks’ home.

While speaking to reporters Thursday afternoon outside the White House before boarding Marine One to head to New York, Trump described Kirk’s killer or killers as an “animal.”

“He’s an animal, total animal, and hopefully they’ll have him, and they’ll get him. What he did is disgraceful,” said the president. “Charlie Kirk was a great person, a great man, great in every way, especially with youth. And what he did, what this man did, was disgraceful. So hopefully we’ll have him, and we will deal with him very appropriately.”

Earlier in the day, investigators confirmed they had recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting, as well as footprints and a palm and forearm print. Authorities have since released an image of the person of interest, offering a $100,000 reward leading to the suspect’s apprehension.

This is a developing story.