Utah death penalty method: Charlie Kirk's assassination raises several questions; suspect still at large

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a debate at Utah Valley University, prompting discussions about the death penalty in Utah.

Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ debate.

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, prompting discussions about the death penalty in Utah. Authorities continue to search for his killer, who remains at large. (Meredith Seaver/College Station Eagle via AP, File)(AP)

The 31-year-old conservative activist was addressing thousands of students when a single rifle round struck him in the neck.

Donald Trump confirmed the news on Truth Social, writing, “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Now, the brazen daylight assassination has once again drawn attention to Utah’s justice system, including how the state handles the death penalty. Utah is one of only five states where execution by firing squad remains legal.

How Utah carries out death penalties

In Utah, lethal injection is the primary method of execution. If the state cannot obtain the necessary substances for lethal injection, the law permits the use of a firing squad.

For inmates sentenced to death before May 3, 2004, the firing squad may also be chosen as their method of execution.

That makes Utah one of the rare states where both lethal injection and firing squad are legally sanctioned. This year, South Carolina carried out the first firing squad executions in 15 years.

“We have of course seen that the firing squad is not immune from the botches that we’ve seen with other methods of execution,” Robin Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center told KSLTV.

“We understand the firing squad execution there was botched in the sense that the bullets missed the heart of the prisoner,” she said. “So, there’s really no guarantee that every execution will go as planned no matter what method is chosen.”

Manhunt for Charlie Kirk's murderer continues

Meanwhile, Kirk’s killer remains at large. Authorities say the shooter fired from a rooftop before vanishing into nearby woods. Federal investigators later recovered a high-powered hunting rifle, a palm print, and a shoe impression along the escape path.

The FBI has released grainy photos of a black-clad suspect in a hat, sunglasses, and backpack, while offering a $100,000 reward for information. Two people initially taken into custody were released, leaving investigators pursuing fresh leads.