Washington [US], September 12: The manhunt for the person who shot and killed influential US conservative activist Charlie Kirk continued on Thursday.
The FBI said that a high-powered weapon has been found and that they are searching for a suspect who is described as college-aged. There is video footage of the shooter, who has not yet been identified.
Kirk, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, was shot in the neck during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday and later died of his injuries.
Trump ordered flags at the White House and embassies worldwide to be flown at half-mast.
During an event at the Pentagon on Thursday marking the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump said that he is posthumously awarding Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, broadcaster NBC reported.
"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said.
Authorities believe it was a targeted attack. Utah's Republican governor, Spencer Cox, has classified the shooting as a "political assassination." Two people were taken into custody following the shooting on Wednesday but later released, Utah officials said.
Kirk, 31, did not hold elected office but was a powerful force in grassroots conservative politics, leading youth organization Turning Point USA, hosting a popular podcast and attracting millions of followers on social media.
He spoke at Trump campaign rallies in last year's election and addressed the Republican National Convention.
Political violence is a growing concern in the deeply polarized country, affecting both Republicans and Democrats at all levels of government.
Source: Qatar Tribune
