Charlie Kirk's Alleged Assassin Caught on Camera

Authorities have launched an investigation into his killing, with experts cautioning that the shooter's accuracy could make it harder to trace how the attack was carried out.

Chilling video clips have surfaced, showing the suspected assassin of political activist Charlie Kirk perched on a rooftop both moments before and after he fatally shot him at Utah Valley University, on September 10.

Shot in the Neck as Terrified Crowd Screamed

Kirk was gunned down while addressing a crowd of thousands under a white tent on the university grounds. Just as he began responding to an audience member's question, a single shot cracked through the air, striking him in the neck.

Blood poured from the wound as horrified attendees screamed and ducked for cover. Within moments, Kirk collapsed and was later pronounced dead.

What the Footage Shows

According to eyewitness videos and photos, the shooter appeared to be positioned on the roof of the Losee Center — a campus building across from the tent where Kirk was speaking. From this vantage point, the gunman had a direct line of sight to the stage.

One clip circulating online appears to capture a shadowy figure crouched on the rooftop just before the fatal shot was fired. In another, taken moments later, a dark silhouette can be seen dashing across the same rooftop — believed to be the suspect fleeing the scene.

FBI Says Initial Suspect Released, Investigation Still Ongoing

Authorities have already launched an investigation into the shooting of the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Shortly after Charlie Kirk's tragic death, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel said on X that the person initially detained in connection with the shooting had been questioned and released.

He also emphasized that the inquiry remains active and promised to provide continued updates in the interest of transparency.

With no suspect in custody, a wider manhunt began — but an expert warned it would be difficult. CNN's Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller said the attacker likely planned to move silently, remain unseen, fire a single shot, complete the mission, take the weapon, and leave little evidence behind.

The TV network's analyst also noted that the precision of the single shot suggested the attacker had prior firearms experience.

"This is someone who knew exactly what they were doing and is probably known to others, and this may be working to the advantage of law enforcement. As someone who has a long history in shooting, this wasn't an amateur," he explained.

Witness Recalls Moment Gunfire Shattered the Air

Now, after the tragic incident that led to Kirk's death, witnesses have come forward to share what they saw unfold at Utah Valley University.

One attendee, Skyler Baird, revealed, "I was only maybe 15 feet, not even 15 feet away from him. And I heard the pop, and I said in my mind, 'That was a gunshot.'"

Baird said his immediate thought was survival, but he quickly turned to help others escape the packed event, which drew roughly 3,000 people. As the crowd scattered, the reality of the tragedy set in. "I pretty much knew immediately that he wasn't going to make it," he admitted.

Although Kirk was heavily guarded while on stage, Baird noted that security measures were minimal for attendees entering the venue.

He explained that while the political commentator was protected from someone rushing the stage or attempting a physical attack, the general area had the usual campus-level security, leaving the crowd largely unmonitored as they arrived.

A Father, a Voice for Dialogue – and Now a Victim of Violence

Baird, who had followed Kirk's career for years, said the brutal killing left him shaken and filled with empathy, especially for Kirk's family.

He expressed disbelief that someone so committed to fostering dialogue could become the target of such cold-blooded violence.

Baird warned that this tragedy reflects a growing divide in America, one that's becoming too dangerous to ignore. He called for reason and logic to guide interactions rather than emotion.

"As you have friends and loved ones that you've cut ties with, don't cut ties with them. Call them back. Let them know you love them. Let them know that it's okay that you have differing opinions," Baird pleaded.

The witness also offered a final, somber warning, saying that when conversations stop, atrocities like Kirk's shooting become all the more likely.

Eyewitness Believed Gunshot Was Part of the Show

Other eyewitnesses have also given their accounts, underscoring their sense of shock. Jeremy King, 45, who stood about 15 feet from Kirk, said he was initially confused at the time, believing the gunshot might have been "part of an act or performance" tied to the discussion about gun rights and the LGBTQ+ community.

King's confusion turned to panic as Kirk collapsed. "Everyone around me dropped to the ground. I immediately stood over my wife. You don't know if this is a single shot or if it's going to turn into a mass shooting. And so you're scanning," he recalled.

He later saw Kirk's bodyguards react swiftly, adding, "At that moment, I did grab my phone and start recording as they moved him to the SUV and loaded him up."

National Leaders Mourn Kirk's Death

As the reality of Kirk's death set in, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. In an address, U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as a national tragedy.

"I am filled with grief and anger at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah. Charlie inspired millions, and tonight all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror," he said. He also described Kirk as a "martyr" and the incident a "dark moment" in American history.

Meanwhile, the country's Vice President JD Vance mourned Kirk's death and echoed Trump's message by reposting it on X, amplifying the president's praise of Kirk as a "legendary" figure who deeply influenced young Americans.

Trump's post also included condolences to Kirk's wife, Erika, and their family. Vance followed with a brief prayer for Kirk's peaceful eternal rest.

Earlier in the day, Trump had issued a formal proclamation ordering that all U.S. flags be flown at half-staff through September 14. The order applies to the White House, federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies worldwide.