JUST IN: Rare Video shows figure lying in wait and then fleeing rooftop after Kirk shooting as police under fire

A chilling video shows a shadowy figure lying flat on a rooftop just moments before Charlie Kirk was fatally shot, then fleeing as chaos erupted at Utah Valley University.

The footage surfaced as witnesses raised alarming concerns about the lack of security at the Wednesday afternoon event, which drew more than 3,000 people. According to University Police Chief Jeff Long, only six officers were assigned to the campus gathering where the 31-year-old conservative commentator was speaking.

Kirk was struck in the neck by a single bullet while addressing questions on mass shootings. He collapsed on stage and was later pronounced dead.

Security Concerns Under Fire

Attendees reported a shocking absence of standard security measures. Witness Tyler McGettigan told NBC News he expected metal detectors or ticket checks but found none. “No one checked the barcode or QR code. There was no checkpoint—it was literally anyone could walk in if they wanted.”

Another witness, Justin Hickens, confirmed there were no bag checks and only a small cluster of security near Kirk. Others described the setup as dangerously inadequate for a high-profile political figure.

Chief Long later admitted the event space, a sunken bowl-shaped amphitheater surrounded by buildings, made protection more difficult. “We trained for these things. You think you have it covered. Unfortunately, today we didn’t.”

Suspects Cleared, Shooter Still at Large

In the aftermath, police initially detained 67-year-old George Zinn, who was seated near the shooting. Witnesses claimed he made odd remarks and even yelled that he was responsible. But officials quickly confirmed he did not fire the shot and later charged him only with obstructing justice.

Hours later, a second person of interest was taken into custody, but FBI Director Kash Patel announced the individual was released after interrogation. The gunman remains at large.

Authorities said the only usable footage of the suspect came from campus CCTV, which showed a figure dressed in black on a rooftop 200 yards away. “We don’t have much better description,” Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason admitted.

Chaos and Panic

The single gunshot erupted just after 12 p.m., as Kirk was answering his second question on mass shootings. “We just saw his neck snap to the side and blood immediately started pouring,” reporter Emma Pitts told The Guardian.

Students and attendees described scenes of panic. “Blood was gushing everywhere,” said Sara Tewell, a university student. “A friend and I ran into a building and just kept running.”

Zachary Morris, who brought his 3-year-old daughter, recalled the crowd descending into “mass panic.” “All I could think was, I have to get my daughter out of here.”

Conservative activist Greg Adams, seated near the back, described the aftermath as “shocking—blood pooled everywhere.”

National Reaction

Former President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social nearly five hours later, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary Charlie Kirk” and offering condolences to his wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two young children.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the killing a “political assassination” but offered no details on the shooter’s motive. He emphasized that investigators found no evidence of a second gunman.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement agencies continue to search for the rooftop shooter, who managed to slip away despite the heavy campus presence. FBI officials promised continued transparency as the manhunt expands.

Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika, their 3-year-old son, and 16-month-old daughter.