Washington, September 11 (Patrika English News): The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Officials confirmed that the firearm was found in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where the attacker fled after the shooting.
Robert Bowles, head of the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said the seized weapon is a high-powered bolt-action rifle. Investigators also collected shoe prints, palm prints, and other forensic evidence from the site. The rifle has been sent to a laboratory for DNA and fingerprint testing.
According to investigators, the suspect is estimated to be of college-going age. He reportedly blended into the crowd before climbing to a campus rooftop and opening fire. After the attack, he escaped through a back exit into nearby woods.
The weapon recovered is an old Mauser rifle, with three live cartridges and one used shell casing found in the magazine. Officials revealed that the cartridges had ideological messages engraved on them.
So far, the FBI has received more than 130 leads in the case. The agency has appealed to the public to share any photos or videos related to the incident that may help identify the attacker.