What Weapon Was Used to Kill Politician Charlie Kirk: New Details

Days after the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, investigators discovered a rifle in a wooded area not far from the crime scene in northern Utah, according to NBC News. Federal agents attempting to locate the weapon faced a challenging task. According to sources from various law enforcement agencies familiar with the investigation, it was a rifle manufactured decades ago in Germany, intended for use by military personnel during the two World Wars. It was imported into the United States before the 1960s, when laws requiring serial numbers or other traceable markings on firearms were enacted.

It is believed that millions of similar weapons are stored in American homes. Fortunately for investigators, the identity of the alleged shooter was established through another avenue—by his family, who persuaded him to surrender to the police. However, the alleged use of such outdated weapons has raised concerns among some former federal agents that other potential killers could also take advantage of this powerful, accurate, and difficult-to-trace firearm.

The prosecutor's office has identified the discovered rifle as a Mauser 98 model. With good aim and even basic skills, one can hit a target from up to 182 meters away.

Recall that Kirk was killed during an event on the campus of the University of Utah.