A World War II-era Mauser bolt-action rifle was used to assassinate right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. FBI releases chilling rooftop escape footage of the suspected sniper and offers a $100,000 reward for his capture.
The shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has taken a chilling twist: investigators revealed that the killer used a German-made Mauser bolt-action rifle from World War II—a weapon renowned for its deadly precision.
The rifle was discovered abandoned in nearby woods, still loaded with a .30-06 caliber round in the chamber. According to FBI Salt Lake City Chief Robert Boles, the shot was fired from 137 meters away, striking Kirk in the neck with lethal accuracy. Boles called the weapon “very powerful,” noting that even an amateur shooter with a basic scope could achieve such a deadly hit.
Former ATF deputy director Tom Chittum explained the weapon’s mechanics:
“This isn’t a semi-automatic—it’s a bolt-action. Every shot requires manually cycling the bolt. It’s old-school, but brutally effective.”
Authorities say spent cartridges, handprints, a shoe print, and an arm impression were recovered at the scene. Investigators also found a screwdriver near the rifle, leading to suspicions that the assassin disassembled and reassembled the weapon before the killing to avoid detection.
Cellphone videos from the event captured the sound of gunfire, followed by chaotic scenes of Kirk collapsing in front of horrified attendees. FBI footage released Friday shows the suspected gunman leaping from the rooftop escape route immediately after firing the fatal shot.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the shooter’s arrest. The manhunt is now nationwide.
Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Donald Trump, was pronounced dead at the scene. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
Trump mourned publicly on X (formerly Twitter):
“No one understood or reached the hearts of America’s youth better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by everyone. Melania and I extend our support to his wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you.”
Trump also ordered all U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until Sunday in Kirk’s honor, calling him “a true American patriot.”
This assassination has sent shockwaves through America’s political landscape, raising urgent questions about domestic security, political violence, and the chilling symbolism of using a WWII weapon to silence a modern conservative voice.
