Crime
36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer killed in Orchard Street shooting
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Police Department has identified the man who was found dead on May 8 in a wooded area along Orchard Street.
The victim has been confirmed as 36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer of Ogden, New York.
Officers responded to the scene at approximately 9:45 p.m. Thursday night following reports of a possible assault and an injured individual in the area.
Upon arrival, officers located Gollwitzer on the north side of a building in a wooded area, where he was pronounced deceased.
According to police, Gollwitzer had sustained at least one gunshot wound to the upper body.
His death is being investigated as a homicide.
The RPD Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As of now, no arrests have been announced, and police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information.
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, has video footage, or has information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the following:
- RPD Homicide Unit: (585) 428-7157
- Crime Stoppers (anonymous): (585) 423-9300
- Email: MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov
- Or call 911 directly
Authorities are continuing to follow leads and urge community cooperation as the investigation progresses.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |