FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or people responsible for the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in the neck by a single bullet while speaking at a university in Utah yesterday.
Details of the Tragic Shooting Incident
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and executive director of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), was fatally shot on Wednesday, 11 September 2025, during a campus event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Kirk was delivering a speech to a crowd of about 500 students and supporters when a single bullet struck him in the neck around 7:45 PM local time. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the activist collapsing on stage mid-sentence before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite emergency efforts, Kirk succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival, marking a shocking end to his rising influence in conservative politics.
The event was part of TPUSA’s campus tour, aimed at mobilising young voters for Republican causes ahead of the 2026 midterms. Kirk, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, was discussing youth engagement in politics when the shot rang out from an elevated position outside the venue. Campus security and local police responded immediately, evacuating the area and securing the perimeter. No other injuries were reported, but the incident sent shockwaves through the audience, with videos capturing screams and confusion as attendees fled.
Utah authorities, in coordination with the FBI, have launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect, described as a lone gunman who fled the scene on foot. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was targeted, given Kirk’s high-profile status and the precision of the attack. The university locked down the campus for several hours, counselling students and cancelling classes for the remainder of the week. UVU President Astrid Tuminez expressed devastation, stating, “Charlie was a passionate voice for his beliefs, and his loss is felt deeply by our community.”
FBI’s Investigation and Reward Announcement
In a press briefing early this morning, FBI Director Kash Patel announced a reward of up to $100,000 for tips leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest. Patel described the attack as a “cowardly assassination” and vowed a relentless pursuit. “Charlie Kirk was a fierce defender of freedom and a key ally to our administration. We will leave no stone unturned to bring his killer to justice,” Patel said.
The FBI has recovered a high-powered rifle believed to be the murder weapon, found in a wooded area near the campus approximately two miles from the scene. Ballistics experts are analysing the firearm, which appears to be a modified AR-15-style rifle with a scope, suggesting the shooter had training or access to advanced weaponry. Additionally, agents have obtained video images of the suspect from campus surveillance and nearby traffic cameras. The individual is described as a white male, approximately 25-35 years old, wearing dark clothing and a baseball cap, seen fleeing towards a getaway vehicle—a silver sedan—moments after the shot.
Patel urged the public to come forward with any information, emphasising that anonymity is protected through tip lines and online portals. “This is an act of domestic terrorism against a prominent voice in our democracy. We need your help to ensure justice is served,” he added. The reward, funded through the FBI’s Violent Crimes Safe Streets Task Force, has already generated hundreds of tips, with agents sifting through leads from Utah and surrounding states.
The investigation involves a joint task force of FBI agents, Utah State Police, and local law enforcement, with forensic teams combing the campus for additional evidence. Preliminary reports indicate the shooter may have scoped the event for hours, using a vantage point from a nearby parking structure. No group has claimed responsibility, but authorities are exploring motives ranging from political assassination to personal grudges, given Kirk’s controversial stances on issues like immigration and campus free speech.
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy as Trump Supporter and Youth Mobiliser
Charlie Kirk’s death has reverberated across the political landscape, particularly among conservatives who viewed him as a pivotal figure in engaging younger voters for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. At just 18, Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with Bill Montgomery, aiming to counter liberal dominance on college campuses. Under his leadership, TPUSA grew into a powerhouse with chapters at over 2,500 schools, organising events that drew millions and raising awareness on issues like fiscal conservatism, Second Amendment rights, and anti-“woke” activism.
Kirk was a major supporter of Trump, credited with mobilising Gen Z and millennial voters during the 2016 and 2020 elections. He spoke at Trump rallies, advised on youth outreach, and hosted “The Charlie Kirk Show,” a podcast with over 10 million downloads monthly. Kirk’s influence helped Trump secure 45% of voters under 30 in 2024, a significant gain from 2020. Trump himself eulogised Kirk on Truth Social: “Charlie was a warrior for our cause, a brilliant mind who inspired so many young patriots. His loss is a tragedy for America. We will honour him by fighting harder.”
TPUSA, now led by interim executive director Tyler Yost, has vowed to continue Kirk’s mission, with chapters planning vigils nationwide. Kirk’s work extended to books like “Campus Battlefield” and documentaries critiquing higher education. His death has sparked tributes from figures like Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens, who called him “the voice of our generation.”
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube