The assassination of Charlie Kirk at a Turning Point USA event has left the nation in shock. Sergeant Nicholas Ranstad, recognized by the Daily Mail as one of America's top snipers, has provided a detailed analysis of the incident, shedding light on several critical aspects that others may have overlooked. The tragic event unfolded at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was fatally shot.
Ranstad, an ex-Delta commando, meticulously broke down the shooting, minute by minute, revealing the potential use of a more powerful weapon than previously thought. Based on the sound and impact, he suspects the use of a high-powered rifle, likely a .308 bolt action or 7.62, rather than an AR-15. His experience led him to believe that Kirk was "dead on the spot" after the assault.
The security at the event was described as "super light" by Ranstad, who likened the venue to a "buffet feast" for any potential shooter. The apparent low level of threat may have contributed to the success of the assassination. Ranstad suggested that the police should investigate individuals who have recently spent significant time at shooting ranges, as the shot made was within the capabilities of someone with moderate training.
The sniper pointed out that the shooter likely made an error in judgment, aiming for the head but hitting the neck due to not accounting for wind and bullet drop. He deduced that the shooter was probably right-handed with a bad trigger pull, based on video evidence.
Ranstad's insights also touched on the shooter's escape, indicating that the assassin likely had an exfiltration plan, considering that only one shot was fired and the perpetrator remains at large. He contrasted this calculated approach to the more common behavior of assailants who fire multiple rounds indiscriminately.
In the wake of the assassination, former President Donald Trump spoke from the Oval Office, mourning Kirk as "a man of deep faith" and condemning the radical left's rhetoric, which he believes incites such acts of terrorism. Social media posts have since resurfaced in which Kirk himself warned of an "assassination culture" on the left, citing a study by the Network Contagion Research Institute on Americans' attitudes toward assassination.
The event has sparked widespread debate about security measures, political rhetoric, and the state of public discourse. As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are likely to consider Ranstad's observations in their pursuit of the assailant.
