Federal and state authorities just suddenly cancelled a scheduled press conference Thursday afternoon mere hours after releasing photos of a person of interest in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
The FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety were set to hold a briefing around 3:00 p.m. to provide updates on the manhunt for Kirk’s killer, but officials announced the cancellation citing “rapid developments” in the investigation.
“Due to the rapid developments in our investigation, we will suspend this. We will release an updated time later today,” Utah Department of Public Safety spokesperson Hillary Koellner said in a statement.
The sudden cancellation came shortly after the FBI released photos Thursday morning showing a person of interest walking up stairs on the Utah Valley University campus. The images show someone wearing dark jeans, a black long-sleeved shirt, a black hat and black sunglasses.
“The FBI is asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University,” the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office posted on social media.
Take a look —
We are asking for the public's help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
1-800-CALL-FBI
Digital media tips: https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ pic.twitter.com/ALuVkTXuDc— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 11, 2025
The bureau is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible for Kirk’s bloody assassination on Wednesday.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking to approximately 3,000 people at an outdoor event on the university campus in Orem, Utah. The shooting was a targeted attack on the popular conservative activist, with a single shot fired from approximately 200 yards away from a building rooftop.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls and Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason were scheduled to appear at the cancelled briefing, which was to be livestreamed on the Utah Department of Public Safety’s Instagram page.
Earlier Thursday, authorities revealed they had recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” from a nearby wooded area that they believe was used in the assassination. A footprint was also recovered as evidence. The bullets recovered at the scene had “ANTIFA” and pro-trans messaging written on them, authorities confirmed.
Authorities described the suspected shooter as “college age” and said he “blended in well” with students at the university event.
“We do have that we’re analyzing it, but it is security camera footage, so you can kind of guess what the quality of that is,” Commissioner Mason said earlier Thursday. “We do know dressed in all dark clothing. We don’t have much better description.”
The investigation has been complicated by initial confusion over suspects in custody. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media Wednesday that a subject was in custody, but later walked back the statement after the person was released following questioning.
Two people were detained were both were released after authorities determined they had no connection to the shooting. Officials said these individuals faced threats from the public and asked people to avoid harassment during the investigative process.
“We asked the public to be patient with the investigative process,” Mason said. “We ask that you do not impose into those people and that investigative process. They don’t deserve that harassment for being subject to that.”
Authorities have received more than 130 tips related to the case and are asking anyone with video or images from the shooting to submit them to the FBI through their online tips portal.
“I assure you that all leads and tips are being fully investigated,” Bohls said Thursday morning.
The timing of the cancelled briefing has raised questions about whether the release of the person of interest photos may have generated significant new leads or developments in the case.
Kirk was speaking as part of his “American Comeback Tour” and hosting a “Prove Me Wrong” debate session when he was murdered in cold blood. The co-founder of Turning Point USA was a prominent conservative voice, Christian, and close ally of President Donald Trump.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox denounced the political assassination and vowed to find those responsible.
“I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this, we will find you, we will try you and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Cox said. “And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.”
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance are traveling to Salt Lake City Thursday to pay respects to Kirk’s family. Trump announced he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The manhunt for Kirk’s killer continues as authorities work around the clock to identify and apprehend the suspect.