An individual the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has called a person of interest in connection to the murder of Charlie Kirk appeared to wear a rare veteran charity shirt in pictures circulated by authorities.
Pictures released by the law enforcement agency showed the unknown individual wearing a black shirt with an eagle above the US flag on the front, as well as the words “land of the free” and “home of the brave.”
This shirt appears to have come from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), the Guardian reported.
Newsweek contacted the DVNF and the Salt Lake City branch of the FBI by email to comment on this story.
The Context
Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative influencer and President Donald Trump ally, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session on campus.
He was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA and a frequent political commentator and organizer.
As of yet, the identity and the motivation of the shooter is unknown. Authorities are urging the public to help them identify the suspected shooter who—in a video obtained by authorities—was seen jumping from a roof and fleeing to a forest where authorities later found a firearm they believe was used in the attack.
What To Know
In a statement to the Guardian, the DVNF confirmed that the shirt worn by the person in the images was linked to their organization.
The organization said: “The shirt in question was mailed as a gift to potential DVNF supporters over the past few years. DVNF has never sold this shirt, and it is not currently available for distribution.”
It is not known how many shirts are in distribution and where the suspect obtained it. The shirt is also for sale on eBay, so the suspect may have purchased it, rather than received it as a gift.
Similar shirts also appear to be available elsewhere online.
What People Are Saying
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said in a press conference Thursday evening: “We need as much help as we can possibly get. This is not just a local matter here in Utah. We have people all over the country that are helping to bring this perpetrator to justice for Charlie Kirk and his family.”
At a Thursday event, President Donald Trump said authorities were making “big progress” with tracking down the suspect.
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Wednesday: “Today, in yet another horrific act of targeted political violence, Charlie Kirk was murdered in cold blood on a school campus. Though we’re still awaiting further details, in all likelihood, he was murdered for expressing his beliefs. I am praying for his family, his friends, and his loved ones.”
What Happens Next
Authorities are still looking for the suspect. The FBI is offering up to $100,000 to anyone who has information that could help them identify and arrest the person.
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