Investigators say the fatal shot was fired from a nearby campus building. Hours later, video footage emerged showing a man in dark clothing climbing from a rooftop before disappearing into woodland. A firearm, palm prints and shoe imprints — thought to be from trainers — were later recovered.
More than 7,000 tips have poured into federal hotlines, the largest volume of information received after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Nearly 200 witnesses have already been interviewed, yet police have not named a suspect.
Utah
governor Spencer Cox has vowed to pursue the death penalty once an arrest is made. “We are determined to seek justice at the highest level,” he said.The killing has rattled Washington. President Trump paid tribute, calling Kirk “a fearless defender of freedom”, and pledged to attend his funeral in Arizona later this month. Lawmakers across the political divide condemned the assassination, while Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace has urged that Kirk lie in honour at the US Capitol.
The Pentagon, meanwhile, has issued stern warnings after discovering social media posts from military personnel mocking Kirk’s death. Senior leaders branded such behaviour “unacceptable” and promised swift discipline.
FBI Director Kash Patel is due to brief the public in Utah later tonight, with pressure mounting for answers in a case that has already shocked the nation.
