Podcast Summary

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Episode: With reward and images, authorities engage public in hunt for Kirk shooter
Date: September 12, 2025
Host: Alicia Menendez (filling in for Jen Psaki)
Network: MSNBC

Episode Overview

This episode provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of the ongoing manhunt for the person who assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The show features in-depth reporting, investigative insights, and exclusive interviews with government officials, law enforcement experts, and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. It also follows the federal and state law enforcement efforts, the FBI's unprecedented involvement, the debate over information sharing, and the larger cultural and political ramifications of the incident.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Status of the Investigation

• The manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s shooter is ongoing, with the FBI releasing images and video of a person of interest.
• The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information.
• Authorities found a high-powered bolt action rifle—a weapon dating back a century—in a wooded area near the crime scene.
• Forensic evidence such as palm prints and a footwear impression has been collected.
• Officials emphasize that, as of the latest update, they have no idea where the shooter is or whether he remains in Utah.

"We literally have persons of interest tips coming in... that are spanning far, far and wide."
—Commissioner Bo Mason, Utah Department of Public Safety [02:59]

2. Nature of the Crime & Suspect

• Kirk was shot from a rooftop approximately 500 ft away while addressing a crowd.
• Surveillance video and stills provide clear images of the suspect’s American flag sweatshirt, triangle-logo cap, Converse sneakers, backpack, and sunglasses.
• The shooter’s skill is acknowledged, but law enforcement asserts such a shot is not exceptional for someone with basic rifle proficiency.

"It's not outside of the realm of possibility that many, many people can make that shot."
—Ken Delaney, MSNBC Correspondent [12:55]

3. Role and Behavior of the FBI & Director

• The new FBI Director, Kash Patel, departed from tradition by personally traveling to Utah and taking charge of the investigation.
• Patel previously posted inaccurate information on social media about a supposed arrest, which confused local authorities and the public.
• There is significant internal controversy over the politicization of the FBI, with whistleblower lawsuits alleging retribution and diversion of resources away from core investigative responsibilities.

"I have literally never heard of it happening at any point in my career or in the FBI's entire 117-year history."
—Michael Feinberg, former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, on director's on-scene involvement [21:28]

4. Political & Social Context

• The assassination has sparked immediate national response, with high-level political figures (including President Trump, VP J.D. Vance) personally acquainted with Kirk.
• Plans for honors and public memorials—including a Presidential Medal of Freedom—are mentioned.
• Growing public concern about a rise in threats and violence toward political figures and institutions is discussed.
• The public reaction is both one of support for Kirk and anxiety about broader security implications.

"With every passing hour and day, this only becomes more troubling for the safety of the public and of officials."
—Vaughn Hilliard, Senior White House Correspondent [08:55]

5. Information Management & Investigation Tactics

• The tension between law enforcement’s need for public cooperation and its need to protect sensitive evidence is highlighted.
• Authorities are being very deliberate in what details they release, focusing the public’s attention on identifiable suspect clothing and items to generate leads.
• Over 7,000 leads and tips have been received, a volume not seen since the Boston Marathon bombing.

"Everything released is released intentionally... Investigators want the public to focus on certain things."
—Mark Santilla, MSNBC Investigative Correspondent [10:12]

6. Security Concerns & Social Media Risks

• Law enforcement and lawmakers are addressing the surge in threats to public figures and institutions, with increased calls for enhanced security and policy reforms on hate and misinformation online.
• Senator Amy Klobuchar points to the role of incendiary rhetoric and unregulated social media in fueling violence and making everyday people targets.

"There are some people much more into very intense rhetoric than others... then you have platforms that allow hate speech, misinformation..."
—Senator Amy Klobuchar [26:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Progress of the Investigation:
  "It's just remarkable that 24 hours later, they don't know where this person is. Even within hundreds of miles."
  —Ken Delaney [05:18]

• On FBI Internal Turmoil:
  "This lawsuit describes a situation that we have never seen in this country—a total politicization of the FBI."
  —Ken Delaney [34:03]

• On the Shooter's Skill:
  "That is a shot that an amateur can make. It doesn't require military training or sniper training."
  —Ken Delaney [12:55]

• Senator Klobuchar on Normalizing Violence:
  "It has made me think a lot about what's going on... it's also about the hate we see online and how people are imitating these crimes and what triggers them."
  —Senator Amy Klobuchar [25:35]

Important Timestamps

• 00:43: Alicia Menendez introduces the breaking news of the manhunt
• 02:59: Commissioner Bo Mason on uncertainty of suspect's location
• 03:40: Mark Santilla discusses the desperate search and release of photos
• 04:59: Ken Delaney on FBI Director Patel’s unorthodox involvement
• 07:05: Vaughn Hilliard on the White House and personal ties to Kirk
• 09:20: Alicia and Mark debate the tension between sharing info and investigation needs
• 12:55: Ken Delaney explains the nature of the shot and firearm
• 14:24: President gives veiled hints at knowledge of shooter’s motive
• 21:28: Michael Feinberg details why the director’s direct involvement is unprecedented
• 24:02: Senator Klobuchar weighs in on law enforcement’s response
• 26:34: Klobuchar discusses hate online and political rhetoric’s impact
• 27:50: Klobuchar details increases in threats to members of Congress
• 46:41: Press conference—Gov. Cox and Commissioner Mason release video/stills of the suspect and update tip numbers
• 50:50: Gov. Cox underscores the importance of public help and ongoing forensic efforts, references pursuing the death penalty

Law Enforcement Press Conference: Key Updates [46:41–55:12]

• Release of enhanced photos and video of the suspect highlighting distinctive clothing, backpack, and shoes.
• Over 7,000 tips received—largest number since Boston Marathon bombing.
• Extensive cooperation between over 20 federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.
• Forensically, palm impressions and shoe prints are being analyzed for DNA.
• Authorities are actively preparing affidavits to seek the death penalty.
• Warning to the public about disinformation campaigns by foreign actors intended to incite violence.

"We are going to catch this person... We have people all over the country that are helping to bring this perpetrator to justice."
—Gov. Spencer Cox [50:50]

Conclusion

The episode delivers a multi-faceted look at the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination—detailing the manhunt, law enforcement strategy, FBI leadership controversies, political responses, and the dangerous interplay of hate, speculation, and disinformation. Through interviews and real-time press updates, listeners receive a textured understanding of both the procedural challenges and national anxieties now surrounding high-profile political violence in America.

For more updates, listeners are encouraged to follow official tips lines and wait for verified information from local and federal authorities.