Charlie Kirk, the controversial political commentator who traveled to college campuses across the country, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University.
Authorities uncovered a high-powered rifle in the woods and believe it was used against Kirk, USA TODAY reported. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times, citing law-enforcement sources, reported it was an older model Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle.
Here’s a look at how bolt-action rifles work and their legality in Indiana.
What is a bolt-action rifle?
Bolt-action rifles require the user to manually reload each time they want to fire. In comparison, semi-automatic rifles use a mechanism to chamber a subsequent round.
The National Rifle Association labeled bolt-action rifles “the quintessential rifle action for military, hunting and target-shooting applications” in a 2023 article. Most of these rifles have an internal magazine holding 3-5 rounds of ammunition, according to the NRA.
Others are reading: Indiana’s flags are at half-staff for 9/11. Will they stay down for Charlie Kirk?
There are no regulations in Indiana for semi-automatic rifles.
In Indiana, a license or permit is not required for a rifle, shotgun or handgun and there is no requirement to register a firearm, according to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.
An 18 year-old in Indiana is able to purchase a shotgun or rifle. Handguns can only be purchased by those 21 and older.
Who shot Charlie Kirk?
According to authorities, Tyler Robinson, a 22 year-old from Utah, is in custody and has been accused of shooting and killing Kirk.
After searching for two days after the incident, President Donald Trump announced they had the suspect in custody on Friday morning during an appearance on Fox and Friends.
More on the suspected shooter: Here’s what we know about Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s murder
USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What is a bolt-action rifle? Is it legal? Was it used in the Kirk shooting?