What Gun Was Charlie Kirk Shot With? Investigators Confirm Bolt-Action Rifle

U.S. investigators have revealed the type of weapon used in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The 31-year-old was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Officials say a bolt-action rifle was recovered near the scene. The gun is now under analysis at an FBI lab.

Kirk was a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His death has been described as a politically motivated assassination. The case has drawn national attention and raised questions about the suspect’s planning and motive.

Bolt-Action Rifle Recovered Near Campus

According to Reuters, FBI special agent Robert Bohls said the weapon was “a high-powered, bolt-action rifle.” It was found in a wooded area close to the Utah Valley University campus. Bolt-action rifles are slower than semi-automatic rifles but are known for high precision.

Law enforcement sources told The New York Times that the weapon was an older-model Mauser rifle. Other reports identified it as an imported Mauser .30-06 bolt-action model. A spent cartridge was still inside the chamber when officers recovered the gun. Several other rounds were also found nearby.

Such rifles are often used by hunters and marksmen due to their accuracy. Authorities believe the suspect deliberately discarded the weapon to avoid being seen carrying it while fleeing. A video released by officials shows the suspect climbing off a roof and moving into the wooded area where the rifle was later found.

Detailed Planning and Engravings on Ammunition

Investigators say the suspect planned the attack carefully. Former FBI agent Brad Garrett told ABC News the evidence suggests detailed preparation, including where the weapon was left. This indicates the suspect wanted to minimize the chance of being spotted during the escape.

Sources familiar with the case also confirmed that engravings were found on some of the ammunition. The meaning of these markings is still under review. Officials have not released further details but said the analysis could provide insight into the suspect’s motive.

The rifle is being tested at the FBI laboratory for fingerprints, DNA, and ballistic data. This evidence will help confirm whether it was the exact weapon used to kill Kirk.

Charlie Kirk’s death has left his supporters and political allies in shock. The weapon used in the attack, a Mauser bolt-action rifle, adds to the picture of a calculated assassination. The investigation continues as authorities piece together how the suspect carried out the shooting.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What gun was Charlie Kirk shot with?

Investigators say it was a high-powered bolt-action rifle. Reports name it as an older-model Mauser .30-06 rifle.

Q2: Where was the weapon found?

The rifle was recovered in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, close to where the shooting happened.

Q3: Why did the suspect use a bolt-action rifle?

Bolt-action rifles are slower to fire but very accurate. They are commonly used by hunters and marksmen.

Q4: Were there any clues on the ammunition?

Yes. Investigators found engravings on some cartridges. Their meaning is still being studied by authorities.

Q5: Is the rifle confirmed as the murder weapon?

The FBI is testing the rifle for ballistic and forensic evidence. Results will confirm its role in the shooting.

Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, The New York Times, ABC News

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