Authorities have released new video of the suspect in the assassination of conseravtive commentator and activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative group that tried to recruit young people to become conservatives at a time when many on college campuses are liberals.
Kirk traveled the country to talk with young people, and to debate them on the issuses. He was last here in Michigan back in April, when he engaged students at Michigan State University.
At a press conference Thursday night, law enforcement officials shared footage that shows the suspect jumping off of a building near the scene of the shooting at Utah Valley University.
Kirk died after being shot in the neck while speaking at an outdoor Turning Point event at Utah Valley University Wednesday. Earlier the FBI released images of a slender man wearing a backpack, with a black hat, shirt, and dark sunglasses.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said earlier they recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle,” and believe the person they were looking for is of “college age.” They believe the shooter fired once from a nearby roof in what they call a “targeted attack.”
Utah’s governor called it a clear “political assassination” and called for the death penalty to be used for whoever killed Kirk. Kirk supporters held vigils Wednesday night from coast to coast to remember the 31-year-old President Trump called a “martyr for the truth.”
Upper Peninsula State Senator Ed McBroom (R-Norway)
McBroom’s full interview with RRN’s Jack Hall is posted here:
Upper Peninsula Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watermseet):
“This afternoon, the world watched one of the leading forces of conservatism and free speech get assassinated. Charlie Kirk articulated conservative views to younger generations clearer than anyone. Solving political differences through violence has no place in our Nation, and these instances are becoming far too frequent. We must do better. Those of us who value free speech and conservative values vow to carry Charlie’s torch and pass it on for generations to come. Our prayers are with the entire Kirk family, his friends, and all those he impacted throughout his life.”
Bergman himself was the victim of political violence in 2017, when he was on a baseball field with other Congressmen practicing for the Congressional baseball game. Bergman was not hit by any of the bullets.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI)
“Thinking of Charlie Kirk, his family, and the community at UVU after the horrific shooting,” Whitmer wrote. “We should all come together to stand up against any and all forms of political violence. It’s unacceptable.”
Whitmer herself was the target of political violence in 2020, when a plot was uncovered to kidnap and kill her over her COVID restrictions.
Whitmer has ordered Michigan flags lowered to half staff through Sunday to honor Kirk.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson:
“What happened to Charlie Kirk today is unimaginable and horrifying. It doesn’t matter who you voted for or what your beliefs are, there’s no justification for violence of any kind. We cannot accept political violence like this as normal. We need to turn down the hateful rhetoric and move toward a renewed commitment to civility, especially in the places where ideas are meant to be debated, not attacked.”
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