Authorities have confirmed that the weapon used to kill Charlie Kirk was a bolt-action Mauser rifle chambered in .30-06 caliber. The firearm, commonly linked to hunting and long-range precision shooting, was discovered in a wooded area near Utah Valley University after the attack.
Investigators noted that the rifle’s design requires the shooter to manually chamber each round, making it slower than a semi-automatic weapon but highly accurate over distance. This matches reports that the fatal shot was fired from about 200 yards away.
In addition to the rifle, police recovered spent shell casings, some engraved with disturbing messages that may point to the shooter’s motive. Forensic experts are now examining the firearm for fingerprints, DNA, and other evidence to strengthen the case against the suspect.
The rifle is considered a key piece of evidence, offering investigators critical insight into how the assassination was planned and carried out.