Utah- US investigators released photos and video footage of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while confirming recovery of the rifle believed to have been used in the attack.

Kirk, 31, a close ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a single gunshot on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University.

The sniper fired from a rooftop during Kirk’s outdoor event, which drew an audience of around 3,000. Panic ensued as the bullet struck him in the neck.

Authorities said the suspect was captured on security footage wearing a black clothing, sunglasses, a baseball cap and carrying a backpack.

Additional images showed details of his shoes and gears. Officials also released video of the man climbing down the roof before fleeing into a wooded area, where investigators later recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle.

The FBI announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Utah Governor Spencer Cox appealed for public assistance, confirming that over 7,000 tips and 200 interviews had been received so far.

Kirk’s killing sparked condemnation across the political spectrum and from international leaders with Trump denouncing it as a “heinous assassination”.

The former president said Kirk would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Vice President JD Vance travelled to Utah to meet Kirk’s family and accompany them, along with Kirk’s casket back to Arizona aboard Air Force Two.

The assassination comes amid what analysts describe as the most turbulent era of US political violence in decades.

Kirk, married and a father of two was remembered as a charismatic figure who mobilised young conservatives and played a key role in Republican organising efforts.