The popular political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while he was talking at his Prove Me Wrong event at Utah Valley University.
The next day, the FBI released pictures of a person of interest. The unidentified man wore a black T-shirt with the US flag and eagle, black glasses, and a cap.
We're releasing additional photos of the person of interest in connection with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Please send all tips available to: https://t.co/XXzYBH1GkE pic.twitter.com/DgLOlrU6Cx
— Utah Public Safety (@UtahDPS) September 12, 2025
The pictures sent Reddit and 4chan users into a frenzy as they tried to find out the suspect's identity. Netizens claimed that the man was supposedly Skye Valadez, a digital artist.
The Reddit and 4chan users even found Skye's Soundcloud account.
They claimed that Skye Valadez allegedly uploaded a song titled, Charlie Kirk dead at 31, weeks before the incident took place. Valadaz seemingly deleted the song after Charlie Kirk passed away.
However, screenshots of the alleged song are spreading on social media platforms.
Another internet user found Skye Valadez's Facebook account, where he reportedly left a cryptic message that said, "Leave me alone."
The FBI investigation is ongoing, and there is no evidence that Skye Valadez is the one responsible for Charlie Kirk's assassination.
The digital artist is trending on social media because of unverified online speculation.
On Thursday (September 11, 2025), the FBI and Utah officials did a short ten-minute press conference to release the video of the suspect running away after shooting Charlie Kirk.
In the video footage, the unidentified man jumped from the roof of the building, which was near Utah Valley University. The suspect crossed the street and entered the nearby woods.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated at the press conference that so far, they have received nearly 7,000 tips and leads.
He noted that it was the highest number of leads they've gotten since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Cox shared that the FBI and Utah officials were gathering evidence to pursue the death penalty for the assassin.
BREAKING: FBI has just released a video of the Charlie Kirk suspect running from the scene.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 12, 2025
If anyone can help in identifying this guy, please contact the FBI immediately. pic.twitter.com/5ar4eh0uZ0
Cox stated that the unverified information on the internet should not be believed or spread. The Utah Governor claimed that "Russian and Chinese bots" were supposedly trying to spread misinformation.
According to ABC News's September 12, 2025, a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle was found in the woods.
Multiple law enforcement officers told the news outlet that the "high-powered bolt action rifle" was wrapped in a towel, and had one spent cartridge and three unspent cartridges.
The weapon and cartridges were sent for forensic analysis at the FBI's central laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.
Salt Lake City FBI Special Agent Robert Bohls stated that the footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints were sent for forensic analysis as well.
He also shared that they spoke with the people from the neighborhood and requested to see their surveillance footage.
According to the BBC's report, Charlie Kirk's casket was flown from Utah to Phoenix.
Vice-President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, were photographed accompanying Kirk's widow, Erika Frantzve Kirk, on the flight.
Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that he had a "long talk" with Erika, and she was "devastated." Stay tuned for more updates on Charlie Kirk's death.
TOPICS: Charlie Kirk, Skye Valadez, Charlie Kirk's death, FBI, Gun Violence, Viral