Crime
FBI Recovers Rifle Used in Charlie Kirk Assassination, Cartridges Found with Engraved Transgender and Anti-Fascist Ideology
Witnesses described the shooter as appearing to be of college age.
OREM, Utah โ Federal investigators have announced that the weapon used in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has been recovered.
Authorities confirmed the firearm to be a high-powered, imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, which was located in a wooded area near the UVU campus, consistent with the suspected shooterโs escape route.
According to the FBI, surveillance video shows the gunman firing a single round from an elevated rooftop position on a building adjacent to the student courtyard, where Kirk was addressing attendees.
After the shot was fired, the suspect is seen jumping from the rooftop and fleeing on foot into a nearby neighborhood.
Witnesses described the shooter as appearing to be of college age.
The rifle was found wrapped in a towel.
Investigators reported that a spent cartridge remained chambered, along with three unspent rounds in the top-fed magazine.
Each of the cartridges contained engraved wording expressing transgender and anti-fascist ideology, which is now being examined as part of the motive investigation.
An emergency trace of the firearm has been submitted, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Salt Lake City field division is pursuing leads generated from that trace.
The rifle and ammunition have been transferred to the FBI Laboratory for DNA analysis and fingerprint processing.
Once forensic testing is complete, the firearm will be fully disassembled to determine additional importer and manufacturing details.
Authorities confirmed that multiple persons of interest have been detained or interviewed based on eyewitness testimony and video evidence; however, the primary suspect has not yet been identified.
The investigation is being jointly led by the FBI and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), with assistance from the ATF and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies.
Officials continue to emphasize that the attack appeared to be targeted, with the shooter deliberately aiming from above into the outdoor event.
The shooting occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. MST on Wednesday, while Kirk was speaking at a student-sponsored Turning Point USA event. Roughly 3,000 people were in attendance. Despite heavy securityโincluding six UVU police officers assigned to the event and Kirkโs private security teamโthe shooter successfully carried out the attack before fleeing.
Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Earlier in the investigation, two individualsโGeorge Zinn and Zachariah Qureshiโwere taken into custody but later cleared of any direct connection to the shooting. Zinn faces a charge of obstruction by UVU Police, while Qureshi was released after questioning.
The FBI has established a digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting, urging the public to share any photos, videos, or information that could assist investigators.
The Utah Department of Public Safetyโs State Crime Lab is assisting in processing several active crime scenes, including the courtyard where Kirk was shot, the rooftop firing position, and the wooded area where the firearm was discovered.
University officials announced that Utah Valley University will remain closed for the rest of the week. Updates for students, faculty, and staff are being provided at uvu.info.
โThis is a tragic moment for Utah and for our country,โ officials said in a joint statement. โWe encourage anyone struggling with the impact of this event to contact 988, Utahโs mental health crisis line, for immediate assistance.โ
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama โ A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coronerโs Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Departmentโs South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdyโs death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdyโs death marks Birminghamโs fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdyโs life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.