Because Kirk’s events often drew large crowds and went viral online, several attendees were already filming when the gunfire erupted. Videos quickly spread across social media, triggering shock, outrage, and bipartisan condemnation.

The FBI launched a concentrated manhunt and later released footage showing a suspect climbing down from a rooftop near the university before fleeing across a parking area.

Authorities also recovered a rifle and ammunition wrapped in a blanket in nearby woods

. By Friday