Surveillance Footage Captures Suspect's Escape Route
American law enforcement agencies have released dramatic new footage showing the suspected shooter of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk fleeing the crime scene. The video captures the individual's escape from the rooftop where the fatal shot was fired during Kirk's speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Detailed Escape Route Revealed
The surveillance footage shows the suspect dropping from the rooftop onto a grassy area before disappearing into a nearby residential neighborhood. Investigators have recovered multiple pieces of evidence along this escape route, including shoe impressions, handprints, and fingerprints. Authorities are hopeful that DNA evidence may also be recovered from the scene.
According to CBS News sources, police already know the identity of the suspect but have not publicly released the name. No arrest warrant has been issued yet, suggesting investigators are building their case carefully.
Weapon Recovered and Initial Reports Questioned
Investigators discovered a Mauser .30 caliber rifle wrapped in a towel along the suspect's escape route. The weapon contained one spent cartridge and three live rounds. Initial media reports suggested the ammunition bore symbols related to "transgender and anti-fascist ideology," but authorities now indicate these interpretations may have been premature and potentially incorrect.
"We're seeing our adversaries want violence. We see bots from China, Russia, and around the world sharing misinformation and inciting violence. I want to ask people to ignore that," said Utah Governor Spencer Cox, warning about foreign interference attempts.
Massive Investigation Underway
The FBI has received over 7,000 tips in the first two days of the investigation—the highest number since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Federal agents have interviewed approximately 200 people, and a $100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.
Vice President J.D. Vance personally accompanied Kirk's remains back to Arizona aboard Air Force 2, skipping 9/11 memorial events to do so. The close friendship between Vance and Kirk was well-known, with Kirk having been one of the advisors who recommended Vance as Trump's running mate in 2024.
President Trump has announced plans to attend Kirk's funeral and posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.