Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Thursday that investigators have received more than 7,000 digital tips in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as a large-scale manhunt continued and officials released new photos and video of a person of interest.
Kirk, 31, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10 and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Cox said authorities have conducted nearly 200 interviews so far and that officials are seeking the death penalty if the case goes to trial. The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible.
Federal and state law enforcement officials released images Thursday showing a person believed to be involved walking down steps with a black backpack and wearing a shirt printed with what appeared to be an American flag and a bald eagle. The FBI's Salt Lake City field office earlier published additional frames that showed the same shirt, a baseball cap and sunglasses. Authorities said the images were pulled from campus security footage captured shortly before the shooting.
Investigators also released video that they said shows the suspect climbing down from a campus roof and images provided by a homeowner that show the person of interest in a nearby neighborhood after the shooting. Officials described the person of interest as appearing to be of college age and blending in with other students on campus.
A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered in a wooded area near the scene, the FBI said. Officials described the weapon as a "high-powered bolt action rifle." Law enforcement officials have not identified a suspect or disclosed a motive.
Cox told reporters the volume of tips was the most the state has received since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. He urged members of the public to continue to submit information and said authorities were hopeful that the newly released photos and video would produce additional leads.
Vice President J.D. Vance and second lady Usha Vance escorted Kirk's casket on Air Force Two from Utah to Kirk's home state of Arizona on Thursday, officials said. Kirk's wife, Erika Frantzve, was seen visibly emotional; the second lady held her hand as they deplaned and the body was taken to a funeral home.
Authorities said the investigation involves local, state and federal agencies working in coordination with the FBI. Cox and law enforcement officials did not provide a timeline for when the person of interest might be identified or apprehended. Anyone with information was urged to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
The shooting prompted campus lockdowns and widespread attention given Kirk's national profile in conservative activist circles. Officials said they were continuing to canvass the area, review video and follow up on leads submitted by the public, while stressing that details remain under investigation and subject to confirmation by law enforcement.