A nationwide manhunt is underway for the gunman who fatally shot Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
State and federal officials say they have tracked the shooter’s movements and recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon — a high-powered, bolt-action rifle — from a nearby rooftop. Investigators also found ammunition and inscriptions referencing cultural issues, though they have not yet confirmed a motive.
Authorities described the suspect as a male, appearing to be of college age.
Kirk, who led the right-wing student group Turning Point USA, had maintained a close relationship with Trump. In a statement, the former president described Kirk’s death as “a dark moment for America” and announced plans to posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
