Is this Charlie Kirk’s killer? Police Hunt Rooftop Sniper After Charlie Kirk Assassination at Utah Valley University

Police are searching for a sniper who was seen on a rooftop moments after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot. The 31-year-old commentator was killed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was struck in the neck by a single bullet as he addressed a crowd of around 3,000 people.

Footage shared online shows a figure dressed in black lying flat on the roof of the Losee Center, which is about 200 yards from where Kirk was standing. Just seconds before the shot rang out, the person remained motionless. As the crowd screamed in panic, the same figure was seen standing up and running across the rooftop, blending into the chaos.

Authorities said the shooting happened shortly after 12 p.m. Kirk had just answered a question about mass shootings when the bullet hit him. Witnesses described pools of blood and scenes of panic as people rushed to escape. Some attendees said they were shocked by the lack of security. There were no bag checks, ticket scanning, or metal detectors at the entrance. Only six university officers were present to manage thousands of attendees.

Two men were taken into custody at the scene. One of them, an elderly man named George Zinn, was first thought to be connected to the shooting. Witnesses claimed he even shouted words suggesting involvement. However, police later confirmed he was not the gunman. A second person of interest was also detained but later released after questioning. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed both releases, saying the manhunt for the real shooter continues.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox vowed that the state will catch the killer. He said the suspect will face the death penalty if found guilty. “To whoever did this: We will find you. We will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Cox said in a press briefing.

President Donald Trump called Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom.” He praised Kirk as “the best of America” and said the assassin’s actions were an attack on the entire country. Trump ordered all U.S. government flags to be lowered to half-staff in Kirk’s honor.

Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, along with their two young children, a three-year-old son and a 16-month-old daughter. Supporters across the country have paid tribute to his legacy as one of the most outspoken conservative voices of his generation.

The FBI and local police are now analyzing campus security footage to identify the sniper. Investigators say the suspect wore dark clothing but have not released a clear description. The shooting is being described as a political assassination, and security failures at the event are under heavy criticism. The manhunt is still ongoing.