The manhunt for the assassin who killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk continues, with the FBI confirming recovery of a bolt-action Mauser rifle abandoned in woods near Utah Valley University. Former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to share his assessment of the case, warning that the shooter’s planning and execution suggest training and possible outside assistance.
O’Neill noted the precision of the shot—roughly 200 meters with a powerful .30-06 rifle—indicated more than casual familiarity with firearms. “This was a long-range shot, and the fact that he left the scene so quickly tells us he prepared both his attack and escape,” he said. Investigators have also revealed that the recovered ammunition bore engravings referencing transgender and anti-fascist ideology, potentially pointing to the shooter’s political motivations.
Despite thousands of tips pouring in from the public, O’Neill expressed concern that the fugitive has eluded capture. The scale of the law enforcement response—including FBI, U.S. Marshals, ATF, and local police—suggests the suspect may have had a getaway plan more sophisticated than initially assumed. “He may have gone to ground and is hiding well, or he could have had help leaving the area quickly,” O’Neill said.
The flood of tips, which already surpasses those received during the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, reflects nationwide attention on the case. O’Neill cautioned that while artificial intelligence tools can speed up video and image analysis, agents must still manually verify information, slowing the pace of progress.
The attack has also reignited debate about security for high-profile speakers on college campuses. O’Neill said courtyards and open-air venues like Utah Valley’s are nearly impossible to secure. “You can’t put counter-snipers on every rooftop. But stadiums or indoor auditoriums allow far greater control of entrances and exits,” he explained. He predicted that events featuring conservative firebrands will increasingly move to such venues for safety.
For now, the investigation presses forward, with law enforcement searching for more surveillance footage and leads that can narrow down the assassin’s escape route. “I do believe they will find him,” O’Neill said. “It’s just a matter of time.”