Weapon used to kill Charlie Kirk found as manhunt continues for gunman ‘of college age’: Live updates

Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead on Wednesday at the age of 31, had established himself as one of the most prominent and powerful conservative voices in the United States.

The right-wing political activist, who was killed during a speaking engagement for his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University, was a leading ally of President Donald Trump.

Kevin EG Perry takes a deeper look at Kirk and his background:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has asked people to report “foreigners who glorify violence,” in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s shooting.

“In light of yesterday’s horrific assassination of a leading political figure, I want to underscore that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country,” Landau wrote on X.

“I have been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalizing, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action.

“Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the @StateDep can protect the American people.”

The FBI has said it has an image of the shooter, taken from surveillance video but it will not be made public yet.

“We are confident in our abilities right now, and we would like to move forward in a manner that keeps everyone safe and then moves this process appropriately,” Beau Mason from the Utah Department of Public Safety said.

The FBI has declined to comment on whether ammunition engraved with transgender and antifascist ideologies were found inside a rifle believed to have been used to kill Charlie Kirk.

The reports first emerged in the Wall Street Journal, who cited law enforcement sources close to the matter.

“As this is an ongoing investigation, the FBI declines to comment,” a spokesperson for the Bureau told The Independent.

Authorities investigating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk are unsure how far the suspect may have fled overnight following the shocking attack.

“We’re not sure how far he has gone yet,” Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said Thursday.

Donald Trump says he plans to speak to the family of Charlie Kirk later today.

After giving remarks at the Pentagon to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, the president once again hailed the MAGA influencer as “a great guy.”

Trump said that he would speak to the Kirk family “later this afternoon,” adding “you don’t replace a Charlie Kirk. He was unique.”

The president said he had been updated on the search for the killer, adding “they have a virtual manhunt out there. So we’ll see what happens. We hope you get them.”

Turning Point Action Chief Operating Officer Tyler Bowyer says he and other members of the right-wing advocacy group have been “choked up” by the support received after Charlie Kirk’s death.

“We are in UT & appreciate the thousands upon thousands of messages we’ve received for our team,” Bowyer wrote on X.

“I can’t begin to explain how choked up we are as we read these heart filled notes. Will have something out in the morning. Pray for Erika. We must translate anger into action.”