PROVO, Utah — A Utah county prosecutor said Tuesday that DNA from a suspect has been found on the trigger of the handgun used in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a development authorities say strengthens the link between the weapon and a person captured on video at the scene.
Prosecutors disclosed the forensic finding while investigators continued to pursue leads in the Sept. 11 shooting that killed Kirk. Local officials have released surveillance footage showing a man jumping from a roof and fleeing the scene shortly after the gunfire, and state leaders have said the case remains an active law-enforcement priority.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said earlier that the person authorities are seeking has not been cooperating with investigators. Cox has appeared at news conferences about the case and urged the public to assist law enforcement by providing tips or information that might help identify the suspect.
The prosecutor did not release the suspect's name or say whether criminal charges have been filed. Authorities have been scrutinizing forensic evidence, video footage from the scene and other investigative leads as they attempt to corroborate the events that led to Kirk's death.
The footage circulated by investigators and media shows a person moving across rooftops and descending to street level before fleeing on foot. Police asked the public for assistance in identifying the individual seen in the video and said tips had led to several follow-up inquiries.
The killing of Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of the nonprofit Students for America, prompted reactions across the political spectrum and drew national attention. The White House hosted a prayer vigil for Kirk on Sept. 14, and his death prompted commentary from elected officials and political figures.
Kirk is survived by his wife and two children, family members said. Local officials and members of his organization issued statements expressing grief and calling for a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Federal authorities have been involved in aspects of the investigation, coordinating with local law enforcement on forensic and evidentiary matters, according to officials briefed on the inquiry. Prosecutors said the new DNA finding will be included in ongoing forensic work as the case moves forward.
Investigators have not released a timeline for potential charges. They continue to ask anyone with information about the shooting or the person seen in the video to contact local authorities.
The disclosure of DNA evidence represents a significant development in a case that has generated intense public and political attention, but officials emphasized that investigative and legal processes must continue before any formal charging decisions are made.