Manhunt for Kirk assassin tracks escape from rooftop sniper's nest as murder weapon found

PICTURES were released by the FBI last night of a man suspected of assassinating influential US activist Charlie Kirk.

- From Christopher Bucktin US Editor, Utah Valley University

The stills from security footage show an apparently college-aged white man wearing sunglasses, a baseball cap and a black long-sleeve sweatshirt.

An American flag and eagle appear to adorn the top worn by the suspect, seen climbing stairs in one of the grainy images.

The police said earlier they had video of the gunman walking up a stairwell as he travelled to the rooftop where the shot was fired.

The release of the images and news of a rifle being found came as a reward of more than £73,000 was offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible.

Mr Kirk set up Turning Point USA, a student organisation that aims to spread conservative ideals at liberal-leaning American colleges at the age of 18.

The trusted ally of Donald Trump became known for holding open-air debates on campuses across the country, fielding quick questions in a signature “Prove Me Wrong” style.

The father of two was sitting under a white gazebo taking questions from the 3,000-strong audience on his American Comeback tour when he was shot in the neck. He died later in hospital.

Mr Trump said he will award Mr Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the US. The president made the announcement at a ceremony honouring those killed during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The gunman had calmly blended in with students at Utah Valley University in Orem before climbing on to a rooftop and firing the shot that killed the right-wing influencer in front of horrified onlookers.