Authorities in Utah have proposed a theory regarding the escape of the suspect who killed Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a prominent political commentator, was murdered at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10, and the shooter remains at large.
The incident occurred just 20 minutes into a debate event hosted by Turning Point USA when gunfire erupted.
Kirk was urgently taken to a hospital but did not survive his injuries. He leaves behind his wife and two young children.
Although two individuals were initially detained for questioning, they have been released as police confirm they are not linked to the shooting.
On Thursday, September 11, authorities shared a hypothesis about how the sniper managed to flee the scene after killing Kirk.
It is believed that after firing a single shot from a high-powered rifle, the assassin jumped off a roof and fled, leaving the weapon in a wooded area where they presumably escaped.
The sniper, still unidentified, is thought to have blended in with the university crowd and appeared to be of college age, according to police on Thursday.
Federal, state, and local agencies are actively engaged in the investigation, working on multiple crime scenes as they search for the perpetrator.
“This is a dark day for our state. It’s a tragic day for our nation,” stated Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
“I want to be very clear, this is a political assassination.”
Utah DPS Commissioner Beau Mason revealed during a press conference that they possess ‘good video footage’ of the suspect, which is still under analysis.
Mason also mentioned having spoken to Kirk’s family, who are reportedly ‘devastated’ by his passing.
“I can only imagine what they’re going through,” he added. “This is not Utah. This is not what we are known for.”
Donald Trump, a friend of Kirk, confirmed the death of the far-right commentator.
On Truth Social, the former president stated: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please visit Survivors Empowered on their website for more information and support.