Photo of Charlie Kirk shooting suspect released by the FBI.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public's help in identifying a person of interest in connection with the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, and is offering a $100,000 reward to aid in the ongoing search.

In an X post featuring a college-aged male wearing a black shirt, black hat, and black sunglasses, authorities urged anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit digital media information to fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting.

Newsmax reported that the reward could be significant, given the high cost of education in the U.S.

Investigators stated early Thursday morning that they would only release a photo of the suspect if they failed to locate him, but Newsmax noted it was significant that authorities initially released a photo, offering a six-figure reward to the campus and Utah community.

Authorities stated they tracked the suspect's movements before and after the shooting and recovered the suspected firearm used.

According to officials, the suspect arrived near Utah Valley University at 11:52 a.m., ascended to the roof via a staircase, and fired from a shooting position. He then fled across the roof, jumped off the building, and disappeared into a nearby residential area. 

Investigators conducted a thorough search of the scene, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed doorbell camera footage.

One official added, "We have obtained clear video evidence of this suspect," and confirmed that forensic technology is being used to identify the suspect.

Investigators confirmed the recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle from the wooded area where the shooter fled. The FBI stated it would analyze the weapon along with collected shoeprints, palm prints, and forearm impressions.

"We will be analyzing this weapon at the FBI laboratory," said FBI Special Agent Robert Bowles.

Authorities confirmed they have obtained clear video footage of the suspect and described him as "college-aged."

The FBI does not believe the suspect is still in the wooded area, and while authorities have not disclosed what information they possess about the shooter, some unconfirmed reports claim the suspect had transgender ideologies. Kirk was shot while being questioned about the number of transgender mass shooters.

When asked, "Is it possible the suspect is still in the area?" Special Agent Bowles responded, "That's a good question. That's directly related to community safety, isn't it? No. He is not in that wooded area."

Bowles stated that they had searched the wooded area and "made sure it was safe," adding, "We can tell the community that this was an attack on a specific individual. We do not believe the community is at risk. However, we are using every means to find the suspect, and we will find him."

Posts on social media are circulating identifying the suspect as Skye Valadez. According to the posts, Valadez has a song on his SoundCloud titled "Tali Kirk Dies at 31" and resides in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.

Additionally, posts on social media highlight an Amazon listing for a book titled "Shooting of Charlie Kirk," reportedly published on September 9, 2025, by Anastasia J. Casey.

However, Bowles reiterated that identifying information could not be released at this time as the search for the suspect is ongoing.

By Robert Hong-gu, CEO of NNP USA / Special Correspondent info@newsandpost.com