A firearm with cartridges engraved with transgender and anti-fascist ideology was found in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where conservative political influencer Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10th, 2025, at approximately 12:24 PM MST. The discovery was made by ATF and other law enforcement officials following the incident, according to an email from an ATF officer obtained by a source. The weapon, an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle, was found wrapped in a towel and appeared to match the suspect's route of travel, with the spent cartridge still chambered and three unspent rounds in the magazine. The FBI is conducting DNA analysis and fingerprint impressions on the firearm and ammunition. This new information emerges as the investigation into Kirk's assassination continues, with authorities indicating that multiple people of interest have been contacted or detained based on eyewitness testimony and video footage, though the primary suspect remains unidentified. The ATF is assisting the FBI and Utah SBI with the investigation. Surveillance video reportedly shows the suspect jumping off a rooftop on an adjacent building after firing a single shot from an elevated position. In related developments, a new video shows an individual stealing and throwing Kirk's merchandise shortly after the shooting. Separately, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were en route to the Pentagon to commemorate the 24th anniversary of September 11th. Previous reports indicated that the assailant may have used the rooftop of the Losee Center Building at Utah Valley University for escape, potentially fleeing the state. A recent FIRE survey of 70,000 college students, released on September 11th, 2025, revealed that 34% of students believe violence may be justified to stop campus speakers, an increase from 24% in 2021. The FBI had previously detained and released George Zinn and Zachariah Qureshi in connection with the shooting, stating they have no current ties to the incident. Utah Valley University's campus remains closed until September 15th. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Utah Governor Spencer Cox had ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Kirk, mirroring President Trump's order for U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast until Sunday evening.
