Charlie Kirk killing: FBI releases photos of 'person of interest'

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States has released an image of a man they believe may have fired the fatal shot that claimed the life of right-wing youth leader, Charlie Kirk. 

The FBI is appealing for the public's help to identify a person of interest in connection with the shooting.

Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking to a large crowd gathered at  Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Described as a 'targeted event' by the FBI, Kirk's murder has sent shockwaves across the US and the world. 

During a media briefing, the FBI said following the shooting, the gunman escaped into the nearby woodland area. The suspect is believed to be of university age. The FBI said the man was wearing jeans with a long-sleeved top with the US flag on it, a black baseball cap and dark sunglasses. 

FBI Special Agent, Robert Bohls, said they were doing their best to trace the suspect.

Reward

The FBI is offering an award of $100,000 for information that could lead to an arrest.

According to AFP, President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a video address on social media in which he cited a "dark moment for America."

"For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals.

"This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing," he said.

"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said. 

He said he would posthumously award the activist the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA back in 2012 which he used to share his conservative views among the youth. 

He also had a massive social media following, which he used to share his viewpoints. 

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

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