After Kirk's death, intensive manhunt for suspect

Kirk, 31, was shot dead Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, where he was speaking as a guest speaker. The shooter remains at large. According to reports, he may have targeted Kirk from a rooftop.

Kirk was an influential representative of US President Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and supported him in his election campaign. Millions followed his social media channels and podcasts.

More than 7,000 tips received

According to official information, more than 7,000 tips have been received so far. Nearly 200 interviews have been conducted. A possible murder weapon was discovered in a forest.

Utah's Republican governor, Spencer Cox, said Thursday evening (local time) that preparations are underway to seek the death penalty. He believes this is a "political assassination."

The coffin containing Kirk's body was transported from Utah to Arizona, where the podcaster reportedly lived, accompanied by Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance. TV images showed Kirk's wife stepping out of a plane, supported by Usha Vance. Trump said in Washington that he expected to attend the funeral.

US State Department threatens consequences

Meanwhile, the US State Department threatened foreigners with consequences if they justified violence online. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on Platform X on Thursday – without mentioning Kirk's name: "In light of the horrific murder of a leading political figure yesterday, I want to emphasize that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors in our country."

Landau continued, saying he had instructed consular representatives to take action, without providing details. In his post, the Deputy Secretary of State called on people to report comments made by foreigners to him so that the State Department could "protect the American people." He did not provide any examples or evidence of alleged actions by foreigners.